A Study Of Chinese Idiom Translation In Native-Oriented Dictionaries And Foreign-oriented Learners’ Dictionaries

A bilingual dictionary is an important tool for language learners. According to different focuses, there are different kinds of dictionaries. Classified by their users, Chinese-English dictionaries are categorized to native-oriented dictionaries and foreign-oriented learner’s dictionaries. Since they are designed to serve different users, for sure they differ in translation strategies and methods in order to meet specific needs of their target readers.Chinese idioms are the essence of Chinese language, and Chinese idioms are also an important component of a Chinese-English dictionary. By observing how Chinese idioms are translated, we can see what translation strategies and what translation methods are conducted in a Chinese-English dictionary. This thesis researches on the idiom translation in native-oriented dictionaries and foreign-oriented learner’s dictionaries-take A New Century Chinese-English Dictionary and Collins Chinese Dictionary for example. By comparing the different translations in both dictionaries under the same Chinese idiom item, this thesis aims to analyze the reason behind different translation strategies under the guidance of skopos theory, and to summarize the general translation rules and translation methods in native-oriented dictionaries and foreign-oriented learner’s dictionaries.This thesis consists of four chapters. Chapter One is an introduction, stating the research background, purpose and significance of this study. Chapter Two reviews skopos theory, the definition and functions of both native-oriented dictionaries and foreign-oriented learner’s dictionaries, and then also reviews some frequently used translation strategies and translation methods. Chapter Three briefs the research methodology, also the possibility to justify this research. Chapter Four as the main part, discusses idiom translation in A New Century Chinese-English Dictionary and Collins Chinese Dictionary, and compares the similarities and contrasts the differences in translations of same Chinese idiom items. Then the thesis analyzes the reasons behind different translation strategies and translations in these two dictionaries in the light of skopos theory. At last a conclusion is made, summarizing the general translation characteristics in native-oriented dictionaries and foreign-oriented learner’s dictionaries. Also the limitations of this study are pointed out. By the end, the thesis also throws light on the outwardness of a native-oriented dictionary and the inwardness of a foreign-oriented learner’s dictionary, and then gives some suggestions to future dictionary compilers and language learners.