Research Report On The Translation Of The Literature Concerning The Silk Trade Between China And Portugal 1500-1644 Based On “Thick Translation”

This paper is a translation practice report on the silk trade between China and Portugal in 1500-1644.It is a English to Chinese translation,which mainly selects the contents from Page 50 to Page 67 of the Silk,Porcelain and Lacquer-China and Japan and their Trade with Western Europe and the New World 1500-1644.This thesis discusses the guiding role of “thick translation” in the translation of academic work,and explores a new translation perspective based on the examples encountered in this translation practice.“Thick translation” is a strategy using descriptive words in attempting to inlay the source text into a rich linguistic and cultural context.Although the “thick translation” mainly focuses on theoretical discussion and strategy application research,and mainly used to analyze literary works,the author believes that “thick translation” can expand the space in the field of academic works.This paper summarizes the translation of culture-loaded words and silk terminologies.By sorting out some relevant historical materials of Chinese silk export from 1500 to 1644,it will present the magnificent overseas silk trade to the readers.Under the guidance of “thick translation”,this translation practice put emphasis on analysis of the translation of geographical terms,historical figures,culture-specific items and silk terminologies by the application of transcription,pinyin and domesticating translation.Used in appropriate cases,“Invisible thick translation” makes it possible to let the target text be close to the source text.“Invisible thick translation” can avoid excessive annotations,so as to keep the original unobstructed and easy to be accepted and understood by readers.