A Report On The Translation Of The Economist From The Perspective Of Hermeneutic Theory

Based on the translator’s internship at China Daily,this translation report is to analyze the practice of translating the Economist from the perspective of hermeneutic theory.It serves to share opinions,insight and in-depth analysis with Chinese readers,reduce conflicts caused by language and culture difference,promote communication between China and the rest of the world and enhance mutual understanding.The Economist is an international editorial weekly magazine that covers world events,politics,business,technology and arts.Though including multiple columns,the magazine ensures a uniform voice either—aided by the anonymity of writers—as if they were written by one single writer,which may be perceived to display dry sarcasm and understated wit.Well received among readers worldwide,it is known for its extensive use of word play,including puns,allusions,metaphors and alliteration.However,its elaborate use of language sets up barriers for comprehension and translation,including textual,cultural and ideological challenges.The translation report is structured by five chapters.The first chapter is an introduction to the background.The second chapter lays out the translation process.And the third chapter presents a panoramic view of hermeneutic theory and then focuses on George Steiner’s fourfold motion of translation,namely Trust,Aggression,Incorporation and Restitution.Trust is the prerequisite of translation.Aggression is to attack source text and incorporation to reconstruct it in target language.Restitution is the final compensation and balance.The fourth chapter goes into full length of case analysis of how hermeneutic theory is applied to guide translation activity.The translator adopts a wide range of tactics,including conversion,addition,omission,shift,recreation and ideological correction.The fifth chapter is the conclusion,including lessons and implications drew from the practice.The hermeneutic translation theory of George Steiner provides a path for the translator to follow in the practice of translation,which is of great significance to guide translation activity.Leveraging the subjectivity,the translator puts comprehension as the priority and conducts an in-depth interpretation into source text.Therefore,the translator is rendered a great deal of freedom to interpret and recreate,more capable of handling potential questions and challenges occurred in the process of translation.By introducing hermeneutic theory into translation,the translator hopes that this report can provide a new perspective for further translation study and be of use to future translators.