A Study Of English Subjective Inserts And Their Translation Methods

Although subjectivity of language has become an important topic in linguistics research, the understanding of inserts’ subjectivity as a particular form of language is not sufficient. It is also important to study inserts’nature, function and its translation methods. Besides, as one of the important features of English, inserts always interrupt the continuity of both sentences and their meanings, and thus may cause great difficulties to translators. Therefore, the study of methods of translating inserts is of great value.This thesis defines the insert and points out that the function of inserts is to express the subjectivity of language. It classifies inserts into perspective, emotional and cognitive inserts. Expressing subjectivity is the major function of inserts. All other functions are subordinate to this function. This is a key point elaborated in the thesis.Furthermore, as a discourse form in text, inserts are also featured by functions of the dialogue. This is another key point described in the thesis.Based on the above understanding, the thesis elaborates on four basic translation methods as follows:sentence-head method, advanced placement method, recombination method, and bracket method. On the basis of the examples and theoretical analysis, it explores the principles for the usage of these translation methods when translating inserts. In the course of selecting translation methods, full considerations should be given to the type of inserts, their subjectivity, dialogue function, pragmatic meaning and sentence structure and so on. This is the same as in verbal communication, which has a high demand on discourse strategies. Usage of flexible translation methods in insert translation can not only help clearly convey the thoughts of the source text, but also enable readers to understand and appreciate the rich pragmatic meanings the source text writers have embedded in the inserts.