Analysis And Translation Study Of Specific Intertextuality In Inaugural Speeches Of U.S. Presidents

In recent years, the theory of intertextuality has been used in many fields, especially hot-debated issues in the fields of literature and translation, and it opens a new page for translation field. The theory of intertextuality can be employed in translation field such as political speeches, news and the name of movies and so on. The theory of intertextuality has witnessed the growing interest in intertextual analysis of different types of texts, and inaugural speeches as specific intertextual translation, in particular, has been paid great attention by researchers. However, the previous studies often focus on the several inaugural speeches by using the whole intertextuality theory or part of intertextuality theory for some of inaugural speeches; little attention has been paid to the first inaugural speeches of44presidents by using one of the intertextuality theories. Inaugural speeches of U.S. presidents have special communicative purposes and objects, and some original words or sentences with cultural connotations make the listeners or readers usually link the two texts. Those original words or sentences with cultural connotations are intertextual signs.Integration of intertextuality theory and inaugural speeches mainly reflects in specific intertextuality and genre intertextuality. In this thesis,44inaugural speeches taken from U.S. presidents were adopted as the study samples. Mainly based on Xin Bin’s specific intertextuality theory, the study made quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis of specific intertextuality from the occurrence frequency and translation methods in order to find some suitable methods for translating these specific intertextual signs. Statistics about this thesis analyzes specific intertextuality in inaugural speeches in U.S. presidents from seven aspects:quotation, conventionalism, reference, allusion, cliche, parody and proverb and makes data statistics about occurrence frequency of every specific intertextual sign in inaugural speeches, then has a discussion and attempt about what translating methods should be adopted to translate these specific intertextual signs based on the above mentioned data statistics and analysis. The frequency-occurred of specific intertextual sign was counted, and then summarized accordingly their features and translation methods.The results of the present study have shown that their frequency-occurred and proper translation methods.(1) There are many specific intertextual signs in inaugural speeches. Cliche has the widest frequency in inaugural speeches and the least is parody. The specific intertextual signs in all of inaugural speeches or each inaugural speech were used properly in inaugural speeches.(2) For translation methods, translators should choose suitable methods according to the context and current social situation. Generally speaking, there exist three kinds of translation methods:literal translation, free translation, literal translation and free translation. Specifically speaking, conventionalism is usually translated by using literal translation. Allusion and proverbs should be translated by using free translation. Cliche, quotation, parody and reference have two kinds of translating methods:literal translation or free translation.Specific intertextuality has a positive meaning to creation and interpretation of the44inaugural speeches of U.S. presidents. The study of specific intertextuality in inaugural speeches is helpful to understand the application of specific intertextuality as well as some references to improve their communicative competence. Analysis and translation study of specific intertextuality in inaugural speeches reflect the intrinsic correlation between translation study and intertextuality theory. The theory of intertextuality provides some opportunities for the development of translation study.It is hoped that the present study of specific intertextuality in inaugural speeches and exploration of their translating methods can shed some light on understanding the theory of intertextuality and translation methods. In a word, the theory of intertextuality has great significance for the creation and interpretation of speeches.