Study On The Expressiveness Of Chinese-English Translation From The Perspective Of EnglishRhythm

An excellent translator is a scientist and artist whose renditions are accurate, logical, and, above all, rhythmical. By enchanting and engaging the audience, rhythm ensures effective communication. Despite its expressive effects, however, rhythm tends to be overlooked in Chinese to English translation. Without an ear for rhythm, a translator produces a tedious march of sentences that decreases pleasure or even defies comprehension. Chinese translators must therefore develop a sense of rhythm and incorporate it into their work.This thesis defines the rhythm of language, explores its components and effects, and discusses its application in Chinese to English translation. It is concluded that the strong and weak beats of musical rhythm are equivalent to syllables, sentences, and paragraphs in language. Rhythm can be achieved simply by repeating meters, grammatical structures, and paragraph themes, but variety is demanded so as to avoid monotony. Only when regularity and variety is balanced will sentences swirl and sing.The thesis analyzes several pieces of translation from the perspective of English rhythm. It is found that the pieces which balance regularity and variety on the levels of syllables, sentences, and paragraphs are generally more engaging, expressive, and effective in conveying messages.