Exploring Cultural Default Problems In Translation Based On Sample Conversations In The English Versions Of Hong Lou Meng

Cultural default is the default of relevant cultural background knowledge shared by the writer and intended readers.In monolingual communication,such elements can be automatically interpreted by intended readers.However,in translation situations,the TL reader usually finds it difficult to capture the writer's intention due to different cultural backgrounds,which irresistibly leads to cognitive puzzlement,thereby becoming a translation problem.From the perspective of cognitive psychology,translation is considered as a problem-solving activity moving from the initial state toward a goal state,during which the translator needs to experience recursive cognitive movements from problem recognition,solution proposal to solution evaluation until a final or interim solution is determined.Accordingly,placing the given problem-solving process in the cognitive-pragmatic perspective,this thesis explores cultural default problems by addressing three questions.First,why does cultural default become a translation problem? Second,what manifestations do cultural default problems assume in translation? Third,what principles and strategies can translators adopt to solve cultural default problems in translation? Drawing upon the Schema Theory and the Relevance Theory,this thesis analyzes the initial state of cultural default problems in language comprehension process based on functions of schemata and inferences and illustrates its manifestations in terms of meaning,content and form by referring to sample conversations selected from Hong Lou Meng and its two English versions.Furthermore,this thesis explores the translation principles and strategies that translators should follow when translating cultural default elements.It is claimed that translators should rebuild pragmatic and aesthetic values and maintain cultural neutrality in dealing with cultural default problems by transplanting,paraphrasing,substituting and deleting the cultural image behind.The findings may provide some implications for recognizing and solving other kinds of cultural problems.