Analyzing Classical Chinese Poetry Translation From Image-G Actualization Theory

At present studying from multiple perspectives has promoted the development of classical Chinese poetry translation. However, there are still several defects characterized by emphasizing linguistic elements with holistic beauty neglected and emphasizing text comparison with translator subjectivity neglected in classical Chinese poetry translation.In view of these defects this paper attempts to analyze classical Chinese poetry translation from the perspective of image-G actualization theory in order to point out that successful translation of classical Chinese poetry is based on successful image-G actualization. Gestalt is a German word meaning configuration, which refers to the tendency of humans to pursue a holistic image in visual process. Proposed by Jiang Qiuxia, image-G actualization theory holds that successful literary translation should be based on successful image-G actualization. By introducing image-G as an intermediary schema between original text and translated text, this theory not only solves the problem of mechanic item for item equivalence in translation, but also affirms the subjective role of translators. This study analyzes classical Chinese poetry translation from three aspects.First, this paper points out that image-G widely exists in classical Chinese poetry translation, which is a prerequisite for the application of image-G actualization theory to classical Chinese poetry translation.Then this paper delves into the translation process of classical Chinese poetry. It focuses on how to actualize image-G in classical Chinese poetry translation. Image-G actualization theory takes two steps. One is mental actualization, an understanding process before translation. This process is a cognitive process as well as an aesthetic progress. Human beings tend to fill in the gaps left by incomplete objects towards completeness. When reading poetry translators will reorganize the meanings and fill in the gaps unspecified in poetry with the help of their own aesthetic experience so that a holistic image, the image-G is formulated.The second step is linguistic actualization. In this process translators actualize linguistic actualization through analyzing the transfer of images and image organizations. By analyzing the symbolic meanings of images and image organizations translators can experience poets' feelings. In writing poets normally organize the images by means of dislocation, juxtaposition and superposition to realize holistic value much greater than the sum of the constituting parts, the image-G. So translators should recreate the symbolic meanings of images and image organizations to effectively convey the aesthetic experience of poets.At the same time, it must be pointed out that the translator and the original text impose constraints on the actualization of image-G. On the one hand, the translator has subjectivity, and he may not be able to feel exactly the same aesthetic experience with the author; on the other, indeterminacies exist in the original text. So the actualization of image-G can only be based on the constant interaction between translators and the original texts.The study shows the application of image-G actualization to classical Chinese poetry translation helps to achieve a harmonious effect on the translations of poetry; helps to convey the aesthetic experience of the author of the original poetry; helps to deepen the study of translator subjectivity.