A Comparison Between Two Chinese Versions Of Pride And Prejudice From The Viewpoint Of Descriptive Translation Studies

This paper compares two Chinese versions of Pride and Prejudice by descriptive methodologies. Here employed as the main theoretical tool, though not the only means, is Gideon Toury's"descriptive translation studies (DTS)"and his theory of norms. Probing under both textual and extra-textual circumstances, this author proposes to analyse the factors shaping the difference between the versions.The significance of this comparison lies in the phenomena reflected by these two renditions. Thirty years accounts for the translators'choice in wording. By comparing translation examples from both versions, with the help of the norm theory, this author intends to examine and interpret the two translations from a different approach.The essay is consisted of four main parts. The first chapter highlights an interpretation of the original and literary criticism centering Jane Austen; the second section introduces theoretical tools, Gideon Toury's"descriptive translation studies (DTS)"; the third part employs instances to display and analyse their difference and the next chapter investigates causes from multiple perspectives, further enhancing the gist; conclusion is categorized and presented for further reference and discussion in the last chapter.Moreover, this paper is not designed to render right from wrong, or as in most cases, better from good. Conclusions are suggestive, descriptive rather than prescriptive.