A Study Of Translationese In Chinese-English Translation Practice

Translationese has been quite a popular topic in the circle of translation research, as it directly affects the quality and readability of the translated texts, thus hinders the translator's great task of introducing the alien culture to the native readers. Yet the research focused on translationese in Chinese-English translation practice, or more specifically, the English version from Chinese originals is scanty, with many researchers in China still concentrating on translationese in the Chinese version from English originals. With the enhancement in China's comprehensive national strength its influence in the world is far-reaching, some Chinese translators have taken up the task of introducing China to foreigners through translation, yet the translated texts (most of which were translated by Chinese, as they are more familiar to what is concerned about China) rampant with translationese are extremely hard for the foreigners to understand. So it's quite necessary to do such a research on translationese in the context of Chinese-English translation practice. Therefore by carrying out this research more attention can be directed on translationese before the translation practice and measures can be taken to avoid, or at least reduce translationese during the translation practice, thus making the translated texts more acceptable and readable to foreign readers.To begin with, in Chapter One the thesis makes an analysis of the term translationese, including the origin of the term(a coined identity), definitions of the term(from Western and Chinese scholars alike) and the comments concerned. What's more, features of translationese are reviewed and an overall evaluation is made based on the relevant research findings.Chapter Two of the thesis carries out a distinction between translationese and some relevant typical concepts in translation practice, such as translation error, word-for-word translation, Chinglish, etc. for the purpose of clarifying confusion thus promoting further research on this topic.In Chapter Three, firstly the manifestations of translationese in Chinese-English translation practice are listed and analyzed, with sentences cited from two typical kinds of translated texts---political essay and publicity material as examples. Secondly, based on the findings from researchers, the thesis summarizes three causes concerned about translationese, that is, the translator's ignorance of the differences between Chinese and English people's modes of thinking, the translator's neglect of the differences between Chinese and English and the translator's unawareness of stylistic equivalence. The relevant theories from Comparative Linguistics and Stylistics are introduced as the basis. Finally the way out is sought to help translators reduce and even avoid translationese. Three strategies, namely, to improve translator's translating proficiency, to study the original text carefully and to be competent at translation skills are proposed.