On The Translation Of Idioms In A Dream Of Red Mansions From Cultural Perspective

Translation is a cross-culture and cross-language communicative activity. In this sense, translation is also a cultural exchange process. A Dream of Red Mansion is one of the greatest literary works in Chinese history. The idioms in DRM demonstrate the characteristics of Chinese culture and language. As far as translation is concerned, these Chinese idioms in DRM are well worth studying.Chinese idioms, especially Chengyus, have very special linguistic form and beautiful visual and musical effect. Rhyme and form are among the most aggravated issues in translation of idioms. Besides, Chinese idioms have a close relationship with Chinese culture, which, due to different language features and cultural background, is also a very knotty problem in translating Chinese idioms. In this thesis, the author gives detailed case study with references to the translation versions respectively by Yang Hsien-yil and David Hawks and discusses the problems of transmitting the cultural elements in the idioms.Differences of cultures may cause barriers to the communication. And removing these barriers is one of the main tasks of translators. The SL flavor should be preserved as much as possible by the translator. In the meantime, the translator should also give adequate consideration to TL reader's taste.