A Comparative Study Of English Idioms And Chinese Translation From The Perspective Of Semantic And Communicative Translation

With the advanced development of the integration of the world's economy, English as a tool for communication plays a very important role in bridging between nations. English idioms are the essence of English language and the crystallization of English culture. On one hand, they convey some ideological content. On the other hand, they embody their peculiar culture in various ways. Due to their cultural peculiarities, translation of English idioms is a key and difficult problem. Therefore, a comparative study of English idioms and their translation is helpful to a proper comprehension and an accurate use of English idioms. Besides, in English idiom translation even the same idiom in the same context can sometimes be translated into different Chinese versions which are faithful to the original in meaning.The theory of semantic and communicative translation put forward by Peter Newmark gives us a new perspective to solve the above-mentioned problem. It goes beyond the limitations of literal and free translation while requiring a due consideration to translation purposes, intended audiences and text types in translation. In this way, translators can choose proper ways to produce versions for the different purposes and the intended audiences and hence realize the goals of cultural exchange and of information communication.Based on the theory of semantic and communicative translation, the thesis makes a comparative study of English idioms from Jane Eyre and their Chinese translation in the two versions, discusses similarities and differences between English idioms and their Chinese translation in the two aspects of content and form, and proves that the theory can serve as a forceful theoretical basis for English idiom translation and guide the translation practice to achieve different purposes. Through the comparison and analysis of English idiom translation by the two translators, the author of the thesis finally draws a conclusion that in a specific context, the translation is regarded as successful as long as it can serve the translation purpose and be accepted by the intended audiences.