On Equivalence In Entry Translation In Bilingual Dictionaries

This thesis studies the issue of equivalence in bilingual dictionary entry translation. Although bilingual dictionaries have been studied extensively in recent years, equivalence, the key concept in entry translation, has remained a fuzzy issue that has been discussed rather generally. In view of this situation, this thesis first reviews the historical development of equivalence in translation studies and particularly in bilingual dictionary entry translation. Then, based on the classifications put forward by Zgusta and Al-Kasimi, categorizes equivalence in bilingual dictionary entry translation into five types, namely, translational equivalence, explanatory equivalence, functional equivalence, cognitive equivalence, and descriptive equivalence, and finally works out some methods for bilingual dictionary entry translation based on the categorization, i.e. literal translation, liberal translation, explanatory translation, transliteration, and coinage. In this process, abundant examples from existing bilingual dictionaries are drawn to illustrate the author's points of view. This study is important in that it benefits not only translators who often need to weigh between words in their translation practice, but also bilingual lexicographers in their understanding of equivalence in dictionary entry translation and their choice of appropriate translation methods. In addition, the research is also helpful to foreign learners of Chinese who might use the bilingual dictionary to understand or learn the Chinese language and culture.This thesis consists of five chapters. Chapter One introduces the research purpose, research rationale, research methodology, research scope, and the thesis structure. Chapter Two is a literature review. Chapter Three categorizes equivalence in bilingual dictionary entry translation based on the classifications put forward by Zgusta and Al-Kasimi, i.e. translational equivalence, explanatory equivalence, functional equivalence, cognitive equivalence, and descriptive equivalence. Chapter Four discusses the methods of achieving each type of equivalence in bilingual dictionary entry translation, including literal translation, free translation, explanatory translation and transliteration. Chapter Five is the conclusion.