A Corpus-based Comparative Study On The Metadiscourse Marker �zhishi� In Hongloumeng And Its Translations In Two English Versions

Metadiscourse is very common in language communication, which is originally defined as �discourse about discourse�. It can help the writer organize the text and build relationship with the audience to guide their understanding towards the text. The functions of metadiscourse are realized through various kinds of metadiscourse markers.In this paper, the author conducts a comparative study on the metadiscourse �Zhishi� in Hongloumeng and its translation in two English versions. With the help of the software ParaConc, the author establishes a corpus of Hongloumeng and its two English versions by Yang Xianyi and David Hawkes. Based on both quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data collected, the classification of the function of �Zhishi� and the representations in the English versions are discussed and summarized.Based on Hyland's classification of metadiscourse, the metadiscourse marker �Zhishi� in this study has been classified into two functional categories: interactive function and interactional function. Under the interactive function there are transition marker, exclusive marker and strengthening marker. Two subcategories come under the interactional function, that is, hedge marker and attitude marker. Then after a comparative analysis of the representation of �Zhishi� in two English versions, the author finds that �Zhishi� of each function are well interpreted in both versions, at the same time variations are found in each function with various degrees and differences exist between the original text and the target text as well as between the two English versions.Relevance theory is adopted in attempt to find possible reasons behind those variations. Possible reasons behind the variations between the original text and the target text may lie in the pursuit of optimal relevance. Some trivial information might be omitted in order to enhance the effect of context and reduce the processing effort to achieve optimal relevance. Variations between the two English versions can be explained through the two ostensive-inferential processes in translation. In the first ostensive-inferential process, the features of different functions of metadiscourse markers and the cognitive process of understanding mainly account for the variations. In the second ostensive-inferential process, the way they choose to express the intended information varies for consideration of text construction, purposes of translation, translation strategies adopted, and preference of expressions and so on.The present study sheds some light upon the study of �Zhishi� as metadiscourse marker, the translation of metadiscourses as well as the study of Hongloumeng. It also has some pedagogical implications as it enriches the knowledge of different functions of metadiscourse markers and their corresponding expressions in English.