The Dynamic Function Of Context In Literary Translation

Context may refer to the situations or circumstances of language use. Context has a close tie with language use and understanding of meaning; therefore, it is hard to define the meaning of a sentence without considering the context in which it is used.Translation is a communication between different languages. The aim of translation is to reproduce in the TL the corresponding equivalent of the SL message for the target readers. Neither understanding of the SL text nor expressing in the TL can be separated from understanding of context, it is evident that context plays a decisive role in translation. So, literary translation is inseparable from context.Tracing the representative researches on context both at home and abroad, the thesis discusses the definition and classification of context. Based on the demonstrated relationship between context and equivalence theory, it studies the dynamic function of context in literary translation. Furthermore, through a comprehensive study of the two English versions of Biancheng, the thesis explores the dynamic function of context in literary translation from the perspective of linguistic context, situational context and cultural context.The thesis comes to a conclusion that both literary translation theory and literary translation practice depend on the theory of context. Meanwhile, it tentatively intends to prove its dynamic function in translation study and puts up a new angel of dynamic context in literary translation.