A Report On The Translation Of On Tao

As a masterpiece in philosophy and logics written by Jin Yuelin,On Tao,rich in connotation and challenging to translate,occupies an important position in the history of Chinese philosophy.In order to develop her translation skills,accumulate translation experience and make a contribution to disseminating Chinese culture,the translator undertook the translation of On Tao under her supervisor’s recommendation.The book is composed of eight chapters,which are jointly completed by two translators and the translator is responsible for the second half of the book-chapters 5 to 8.During translation,the translator made great efforts in comprehending logical terms and phrases in this book.She realized the importance of adjusting expressions and making adaptations in the process of repeatedly reading the original text which combines the ancient Chinese style with modern thought.The theoretical framework of CEA put forward by Professor Li Changshuan is an effective device to facilitate the translation difficulties of On Tao.In this report,the translator will review the problems encountered in this process and find the corresponding solutions by figuring out proper translation methods,summarize the gains in this translation task and hopes to provide references for other relevant translations.This thesis consists of four chapters.Chapter 1 is an introduction to this translation practice,including the background,content,meaning and process;Chapter 2 introduces the theoretical framework of “comprehension,expression and adaptation” proposed by Professor Li Changshuan;Chapter 3 presents the cases analyzed from the perspectives of comprehension,expression and adaptation,reviews the problems encountered when completing the first draft and solutions proposed according to the theory in practice;Chapter 4 concludes the gains and reflections,summarizing the insights in this translation practice.Through this translation task,the translator not only improves her ability of translating Chinese Classics,but also gained substantial understanding of Jin’s philosophical thought.In this process,she fully realized the importance of theoretical guidance in translation also the necessity of reading widely.In addition to continuously strengthening the basic bilingual skills,a translator should continue to supplement the knowledge in the professional field,improve the information-searching ability,read the original text,the target text and referential materials and do other preparatory work beyond the translation of the text.