Translation Strategies Of Culture-loaded Words From The Perspective Of Constructivist Translatology-A Case Study On The Two English Versions Of Luotuo Xiangzi

Language is not only a tool for communication, but also an important component of culture. The different languages reflect people’s different ways of thinking and behaviors to great extent. A large number of culture-loaded words have arisen because of the differences between Chinese and English culture. As one of the classical novels in China, Luotuo Xiangzi has been warmly welcomed at home and abroad. In the novel, there are a large number of culture-loaded words which vividly show the particular Chinese culture to readers.Constructivist translatology is a relatively new theory put forward by Lv Jun. According to this theory, the meaning of a text can be deepened with the development of social and historical practice. When applying it to the translation of culture-loaded words, translators need to have a deep understanding of both Chinese and English culture, to make the translation comply with the reading habits of the target readers and to reproduce in the target language the stylistic features of the original text to ensure the optimal communicative effect.This thesis is to study the translating strategies of the culture-loaded words in the two famous English versions of Luotuo Xiangzi on the basis of Constructivist translatology. According to Eugene A. Nida’s classification of culture-loaded words, the author divides culture-loaded words in Luotuo Xiangzi into five categories: ecological culture-loaded words, material culture-loaded words, social culture-loaded words, religious culture-loaded words and linguistic culture-loaded words.In the end, although there are some similarities between Chinese and English culture, the difference between them can not be ignored. The translation of culture-loaded words is a big challenge for translators. No matter which translation strategy is adopted, the translation principles of constructivist translatology should be taken into consideration in the translation of culture-loaded words. Firstly, in translation practice, translators cannot go against the common sense and should take historic and geographic background into consideration. Secondly, translators should abandon their own prejudice and work hard to make a reasonable interpretation of the original text. Thirdly, translators should respect the frame work and orientation of the original text. The aim of this paper is to provide new theoretical and practical reference for translation strategies of culture-loaded words, to seek for better translation of culture-loaded words and Chinese classics, and to make the typical Chinese cultural information in Luotuo Xiangzi get effectively communicated and promoted.