Toward The Prototype Approach To Translation: A Case Study Of The Translation Of Tao Te Ching

Prototype theory has been applied in many disciplines including translation studies. Among them, the Prototype Approach to Translation proposed by Yang Bingjun needs to be highlighted. The Prototype Approach is intended to break through the long-lived dichotomy in traditional translation studies and reconstruct varieties of notions of translation. It is necessary to explore and examine the Prototype Approach so that those who have the minimal exposure to this theory can get a better understanding of its significance in translation studies. Thus, the main purpose of this thesis is to discuss the rationale and significance of the Prototype Approach.After a brief introduction of the prototype approach to translation, the thesis re-examines the notion of prototype based on which Yang's theory is established. Such study confirms and clarifies that, in essence, prototype is an abstract and expansive notion rather than a stiff and specific established model. It integrates the most typical and apparent features of all members of a category and serves as the cognitive reference point in relation to which the other members can be judged. To make it clear, the concept'actual prototype' and'ideal prototype'are presented. Then, an interpretation of pertinent notions of translation is provided in light of the prototype approach, including prototype in source language and target language, exemplars in source language and target language, the best exemplar, actual prototype and ideal prototype in translation. Such notions illustrate that, as a prototype concept:1) translation can be considered as attributes configurations among exemplars, which share family resemblance relationship with each other; 2) the formation of ideal prototype in translation can only be realized through integration of exhaustive all exemplars; 3) the best exemplar in translation is usually treated as (not equal to) actual prototype, serving as reference point stimulus for the judgment of other exemplars. Moreover, the present study attempts to investigate the rationality and superiority of Prototype Approach through a brief comparison with translation theories such as Plural Complementarism of Translation Standard, Deconstruction Translation Theory and Translation concept of "Pure Language", finding supporting theoretical evidence from them. Finally, a case study of 100 translations of "道" in the first sentence of Tao Te Ching is provided to prove that TT(target text) prototype is only an abstract cognitive reference point for translation, highlighting its value of descriptive-explanatory approach in translation studies.