On Translator's Subjectivity Under The Prerequisite Of Equivalence

Based on the case study of the translation of the fire metaphor from Tess of D'Urbervilles by Wang Zhongxiang and Nie Zhenzhao, this dissertation first attempts to describe how the translator achieves equivalence according to the classification of equivalence by Koller; Then, how the translator(Note: Wang Zhongxiang and Nie Zhenzhao are viewed as one in the following text. ) exerts his subjectivity under the prerequisite of equivalence to choose different translation techniques, thus producing a rich variety of expressions; Finally, the author of this dissertations concludes that his choice of translation techniques is guided by the translation purpose which is based on his definition of the aesthetic orientation of literary readers, and the translator also helps ease the burden of those reading the translation by bringing out the metaphorical sense of fire metaphor. In so doing, the translation will win popularity among intended readers.Equivalence, a much-used term, has always played a central part in traditional translation studies both to the western and Chinese translation circles. The focus of the debate is the possibility of equivalence, the ways to achieve equivalence and what equivalence might be realized. Despite of the controversial nature of the concept, linguistic school has made efforts to afford some insights into the issue in terms of the definition and classification of equivalence. Certain agreements have so far been reached that there is no absolute equivalence, and that equivalence can only be actualized in some particular aspects. Though equivalence has been challenged by other academic schools, like manipulation school and the deconstruction school etc, the operational concept has been widely adopted to describe the relationship between ST and TT.Subjectivity is another concept that stirs the translation studies circle during cultural turn which has somewhat subverted the traditional definition of the translator's role in translation. What is highlighted is the connotation of translator's subjectivity and how his or her subjectivity exerts influences on the final translation. Some scholars are concerned that excessive attention given to the research of translator's subjectivity will seduce translators to abuse their subjectivity and the translation may end up in another extreme, hence the very nature of translation might necessitate a redefinition.In order to conciliate the ever-present contradiction of equivalence and translator's subjectivity, the author of this dissertation contends that it is both possible and feasible to work out a solution to the seemingly contradictory problem if the prejudice is stamped out that the translator is subordinate to the author and must follow TT as closely as possible. Actually, the translator can exert his or her subjectivity guided by his or her translation purpose under the prerequisite of equivalence.The author of this dissertation would like particularly to highlight the penetrating analysis and description that how the seemingly random translation of the fire metaphor is indeed as consistent, coherent and systematic as the original foregrounded one in the TT, thus fulfilling its due thematic function and aesthetic value. Meanwhile, it is pointed out that translation is a process of diction and improvement as far as the TT is acceptable to the Target readers and the translator should be able to offer coherent and convincing explanations to justify his translation choice.