A Study Of C-E Metaphor Translation Principles And Methods

Under the enlightenment of Western metaphor cognition theory and Relevance Theory and by comparing cultural relevance and loss of C-E metaphor translated versions, analyzing some major difficulties C-E metaphor translation confronted with, Professor Liu Fagong proposes C-E metaphor translation principles, which are(1) maintaining metaphorical characteristics;(2) connecting C-E metaphorical relevant cultural connotation;(3) making up the loss of cultural vehicle according to context. Under the guidance of C-E metaphor translation principles together with the analysis of examples from Fortress Besieged, the author of this thesis concludes three translation methods:(1) transferring vehicles;(2) translating vehicles literally and adding notes;(3) extending metaphors by making up implied meanings. To be exact, when translators can find English vehicles which are consistent with the images of Chinese metaphor vehicles, the first method can be used directly. When translating metaphor vehicles embodied with cultures of Chinese characteristics, the second one can be chosen in order to spread Chinese rich culture. However, there are shortcomings with the second method. As too many notes will influence readers’ mind consistency, translators can choose the third method after taking this into consideration. In the process of summarizing translation methods, the author of this thesis finds out the limits of C-E metaphor translation principles, the reasons of which are mainly form translators’ cognition:(1) Translator’s being able to grasp Chinese vehicle’s connotation does not mean that he can get the proper connotation of English vehicle because of numerous obstacles in his mindset.(2) The C-E metaphor translation principles proposed by Professor Liu only regulate that target text should meet the requirement of source text’s connotations. As to what kind of level translators’ mindset should reach, we can not know from those principles. In a word, C-E metaphor translation principles play a certain role in translation practice. However, it is necessary for us to perfect them based on C-E metaphor translation practice.