Translation Of Wu Ballads Under Image Schema Theory

An image schema is a recurring structure within our cognitive process which establishes patterns of understanding and reasoning.Image schema theory emphasizes cognitive processing and integrating of mental impressions based on the interactive experience between the body and the actual world.This thesis first explores the definition,characteristic,function and its application in literature,and then it analyzes the essence of translation of Wu ballads(an ancient folk literature with strong ethnic characteristics and local color)—the accurate and appropriate translation of images.Because ancient Wu ballads are rich in emotions expressed in an implicit way and are immersed with plenty of images,creating a vast space for imagination and thus causing a great trouble for translation.This thesis tries to use image schema theory of cognitive linguistics to explore the various images established in Wu ballads,especially Gems of Wu ballads—a book compiled by famous professors Wang Rongpei and others which was dedicated to the twenty-seventh session of the World Heritage Convention.The dealing with Bi-xing and pun is quite important to the reconstruction of what the original author tried to achieve.All this is done with an aim to further enlighten on translation strategy and call for further protection and spreading of various intangible cultural heritage.