On Chinese Couplets Translation From The Perspective Of Relevance Theory

Relying on Relevance Theory and taking as research object Chinese couplets in The Romance of Western Chamber as well as their corresponding translations from the two English versions translated by Xu Yuanchong and Stephen&Wilt, this thesis aims to test the guiding role of Relevance Theory in Chinese couplets translation by comparing and analyzing the two English versions-in form, sound:and meaning, and to refine proper translation strategies and methods of Chinese couplets.Through contrastive analysis, this thesis yields the following results:1) Xu gives priority to indirect translation and takes direct translation as complementary. On the contrary, Stephen West&Wilt L. Idema take direct translation as the major translating method and place indirect translation second. Xu’s version gives great importance to the reproduction of beauty in form, sound and meaning of the original, and has achieved high comprehensive fidelity and validity, as well as the optimal relevance. Stephen West&Wilt L. Idema’s version dosen’t give enough care to these language characteristics. As a result, it could neither reproduce the original style nor achieve mostly the optimal relevance, having lower fidelity and validity.2) Based on Relevance Theory, this thesis has tracked out a series of translation strategies aiming at the reproduction of the characteristics of beauty in sound, form and meaning of Chinese couplets.It is expected that this thesis will provide reference for the later translation studies of Chinese couplets and guidance for Chinese couplet translation practice.