C-E Interpreting Of Culturally-Loaded Expression In Press Conference: A Semiotic Perspective

Since the implementation of reform and opening up, China has been more andmore frequently engaged in the communication with other countries and communities.Interpreting, as a vital tool of cross-culture communication and an important platformfor the communication and exchanges, plays an increasingly important role. In thespeeches of speakers, various culturally-loaded expressions can be found. Thoseculturally-loaded expressions such as idiomatic phrases, sayings, allusions and poetryhave posed great challenge for interpreters. So the author takes the coping strategies ofC-E interpretation of culturally-loaded expressions in PC as the studying subject.Based on semiotic theory, the author employs the translation criterion of“correspondence in meaning and similarity in function” as criterion in guiding theinterpreting of culturally-loaded expressions. Then the author makes a detailedclassification of information occurring in interpreting, that is linguistic information,paralinguistic information and extra-linguistic information and concludes that the coreof interpreting is meaning transference, which is the integration of the three kinds ofinformation. Although meanings transferred through linguistic signs are thedominating part of interpreting, paralinguistic information and extra-linguisticinformation should be given due emphasis.After specific analysis of three semiotic meanings, the author tries to explore howthe three levels of meanings are transferred and how the relevant functions are realized.Finally, five coping strategies are proposed. Based on the analysis, the author achievedthree major findings: Firstly, as a sign interpretation process, interpreting involves notonly linguistic signs but also paralinguistic and extra-linguistic signs which serve asthe context. Secondly, Socio-semiotic criterion of “correspondence in meaning andsimilarity in function”is also suitable for interpreting, but some adjustments should bemade. Thirdly, the coping strategies can be of some guidance to the interpreters toimprove their performance.