A Study On The Translation Method Under The Optimal Relevance

It is often said that translation refers to the translation between two different languages. In other words, translation is an activity in which we can use one language to reproduce what is expressed in another language. From the perspective of relevance theory, translation is a special kind of communication activity between two different languages and also an ostensive-inferential process of cross-language and cross-culture. According to the relevance theory, translation involves three factors, namely the original author, translator and reader. Translation process is a process of seeking the optimal relevance among these three factors. It also offers a new way for our translation practice: During the process of translation, translator should find out the optimal relevance between the language and context at first, and then choose the appropriate translation methods. However, no matter choose what kind of translation method, we should manage to find the optimal relevance between the source language and target language, so as to convey the information smoothly.Based on the relevance theory, this thesis takes Wadahideki’s work "Aging Starts from Endurance" as data and discusses the translation methods including literal translation, free translation and reverse translation. It is concluded that under the guidance of relevance theory, For the purpose of reaching the optimal relevance between the authors’intention and readers’ expectation, not only should the translator fully understand and grasp the origional meanings and expresstions of an article, but also should consider the cognitive environgment of readers and ligustic form of the article. Therefore, translators manage to conduct a flexible way of choosing translation method during the process of their translation. The appropriate adjustment is also needed in the process of translating grammar and semantic of an article thus to maximize the relevance between two languages.