On Translating Chinese "Shu Yu" (Idioms) Into English-Exampled By Two English Versions Of "Hong Lou Meng"

This thesis looks into the realization of the equivalent translation of Chinese Shu Yu exampled by two English versions of Hong lou Meng, one is translated by Yang Xianyi and the other by Hawkes.In the former part, different definitions of Chinese Shu Yu and English idioms have been fully listed, and then a full description has been given to the features of Chinese Shu Yu. Chinese Shu Yu, as a unique component of the language, is translatable; however, there are many difficulties in translating them owing to their own features. Firstly, a Chinese Shu Yu usually contains denotation and connotation, namely, literal meaning and idiomatical or figurative meaning. Secondly, rhetorical devices abound in Chinese Shu Yu. Thirdly, Chinese Shu Yu is rich in cultural knowledge. So all these factors have contributed the difficulties to the translation of Chinese Shu Yu, and it is also regarded as the most painstaking job for the translators.In the later part, according to the theory of equivalent translation, a goal to be achieved in the translation, similarities and differences have been elaborated by illustrating the examples of Chinese Shu Yu in the classic Hong Lou Meng. Equivalence of different levels (semantic level, rhetorical level, image level and cultural level) should be achieved in different circumstances.Finally, because of the differences, especially differences in way of expression and culture, between Chinese and English languages, it is difficult to achieve exact and complete equivalence during the translation. Therefore, in most circumstances, different levels of meaning will be reserved or rejected according to the characteristics of a Chinese Shu Yu and context where it exists. There is no doubt that different levels of meaning are interweaved and complementary, not independent.