On The Translation Of Image In Classical Chinese Poetry

Image is an important element in classical Chinese poetry, thus no translator shall overlook the translation of image in classical Chinese poetry. However, most discussions on image transference are experience-based and inadequate. No effective theory is taken to guide the translation of image in classical Chinese poetry.This paper seeks to account for the translation of image in classical Chinese poetry from a relevance perspective. Relevance theory assumes that human communication aims at achieving optimal relevance. The hearer expects that his attempt at interpretation can yield adequate contextual effects at minimal effort. As a special kind of communication, translation is an interpretive use of language with the aim of achieving optimal relevance.In light of relevance theory, the author analyzes the important role of context in image transference and elaborates on the meaning of image. The discussion is followed by a detailed survey of three aspects in image rendition, namely, the translation strategies, the relations among images and proper wording. The survey demonstrates that it is optimal relevance that the translator shall observe in image transference. The author also proposes that when transferring an image, the translator shall examine the contextual differences and the relations among images, and choose proper translation strategy and wording so as to leave the meaning of image as open as possible and achieve optimal relevance.