"Re-Creation" In E-C Translation: A Both Conventional And Newborn Topic In Translation Study

As a viewpoint of translation, "re-creation" is generally believed tobe in conflict with the traditional translation theory and therefore, resultsin constant debates in the translation circle. The current debate is stillgoing on with some miscomprehensions of the viewpoint. Themiscomprehensions can be roughly summarized as follows:Firstly, translation is a mechanical transference of linguistic signs.There is no need for the translator to exploit his creativity.Secondly, "re-creation" violates the prime principle of translation:"faithfulness". The "spirit" of translation is to represent the source textfaithfully and truly without any omission, addition, or distortion.Lastly, "re-creation" shows a tendency to "rewrite" the original.The above miscomprehensions are based on the superficialunderstanding of the "spirit" of translation and the principle of"faithfulness". Meanwhile, negligence of degree of "re-creation" alsoleads to miscomprehension.Although some scholars advocate "re-creation", they hold differentopinions about the cause, range of representation and requirements of"re-creation". Some scholars maintain that "re-creation" only exists in theliterary translation, for literature is an art. In the field of technical translation, so-called "re-creation" does not exist, for technical text ischaracterized by "science" and "Iogicality". In fact, many technical textsalso show some signs of artistic quality. We can also trace "re-creation" intechnical translation. Objectively speaking, the degree of embodiment intechnical translation is not as common as in literary translation.There exist dramatic differences of language aesthetic generatingmechanisms between Chinese and English. The unique advantage of theChinese language proves the feasibility of "re-creation" in E-C translation.In the light of multi-theoretic frameworks and on the basis of sometypical translation examples, the author explores "re-creation" in E-Ctranslation in five chapters.In Chapter 1, the author first gives an overall and scientificorientation to "re-creation", and then explores the enlightenment oftranslation ethics, aesthetics of reception and functionalist translationtheory on "re-creation". These theories will provide macro regulation andfull theoretical support to "re-creation"In Chapter 2, the author discusses the feasibility and significance of"re-creation" in E-C translation from two aspects: firstly, dramaticdifferences of language aesthetic generating mechanisms betweenChinese and English indicate the feasibility of "re-creation" in E-Ctranslation; secondly, the significance of "re-creation" lies in extendingthe original's value and attracting more readers. In Chapter 3, the author explores "re-creation" in E-C literarytranslation. Supported by some typical examples, the author analyses fourkinds of representation: producing beautiful rhyme and rhythm, vividimage, profound artistic conception and elegant style.In Chapter 4, the author further explores "re-creation" in E-Ctechnical translation from two aspects. Firstly, from the dialectical angle,the author points out that "re-creation" also exists in E-C technicaltranslation, and then the author illustrates the difference of "re-creation"between literary translation and technical translation. Secondly, the authordiscusses "re-creation" in E-C technical translation from the lexical leveland syntactical level.In Chapter 5, the author analyses three requirements needed for"re-creation": translator's proficiency at English and Chinese,comprehensive use of image thinking, abstract thinking and inspirationthinking and accumulation of profound knowledge about many subjects.