英语语言学dissertationOn Translating Methods of Numerals in Chinese and English
英语语言学dissertation：On Translating Methods of Numerals in Chinese and English英汉数词翻译方法
Abstract
The translation of numeral has long been neglected due to its rigid and boring appearance. With the development of world economy and intercultural communication, it is of great importance to study numeral translation. However, the difference of culture results in different comprehension. The purpose of this thesis is to find scientific methods to guide practical translation of numeral from the perspective of translation numeral. The core of translation numeral is to represent characteristic of the numeral in the target text and practical worthiness. This thesis is composed of seven parts, of which the first and the last part are the introduction and the conclusion, and the rest are divided into five chapters. From these, we can see the five methods of translation: literal translation, free translation, substitution translation, combination of literal and free translation, filling-up translation. Numerals can express quantities equally showing precision. However, in their actual use in discourse, we must consider the original carefully, know its stress, and translate it naturally, expressing the meaning of the original to present its faintness. On the basis of characteristics of numeral, the paper presents some translation methods.
Key words: numeral; translation; original linguistic; cultural characteristic
Contents
1.0 Introduction-----------------------------------------------------------1
2.0 Literal translation ----------------------------------------------------1
2.1 Performing numeric function ----------------------------------1
2.2 Distinguishing the difference of pragmatic significance ----2
3.0 Free Translation -------------------------------------------------------2
3.1 Abridging numerals----------------------------------------------3
3.2 Changing original numbers-----------------------------------3
4.0 Substitution Translation ---------------------------------------------4
4.1 Returning original cultural characteristic--------------------4
4.2 Returning original linguistic habit----------------------------5
5.0 Combination of Literal and Free translation-----------------------5
5.1 Relative concepts------------------------------------------------5
5.2 Transformation--------------------------------------------------6
6.0 Filling-up Translation-------------------------------------------------6
6.1 Making Notations-----------------------------------------------7
6.2 Explaining in Translation--------------------------------------7
7.0 Conclusion------------------------------------------------------------8
References------------------------------------------------------------------9
Acknowledgments------------------------------------------------------10#p#分页标题#e#
1.0 Introduction
Intended to express precise quantities, numerals are, predictably, precise in nature. However, in their actual use in discourse, they are often associated with the feature of fuzziness when used rhetorically. For example, “a drop in the ocean”, “eights and quarters” , “kill two bird with one stone”. About several few numerals in these examples, there is not to express accurate number but put faintness. The numerals of faintness in the particular context, besides expressing number, can also express certain thought feelings, operating rhetorical effect, such as exaggeration, comparison, metonymy and etc. The features of numbers make the translation complex. It is practical indication that the feasibility of the translation can’t quote directly numbers original language.
Here, summing up five methods that translating numerals is as follows.
2.0 Literal translation
Literal translation, also known as direct translation in everyday usage has the meaning of the rendering of text from one language to another “word –for-word” rather than conveying the sense of the original. [1] (28) However in translation studies literal translation has the meaning of technical translation of scientific, technical, technological or legal texts.
2.1 Performing numeric function
Exerting basic function renders simply word for word and do not allow transfer. [2] (136) The method is usually seen as special literary style apart from familiar literary translation such as scientific and technological translation, law clerk translation and political commentary translation. While translating these words, we have to be absolutely faithful original text.
2.2 Distinguishing the difference of pragmatic significance
People widely think that the concept is expressed by numerals in the fixed phrase, generally speaking, is imaginary numbers instead of actually points. And numerals mostly have trope, exaggeration in the actual language usage and tactful rhetoric meaning. Homology numerals of the pragmatic significance are not corresponding in different languages. For example, “three” in the Chinese has many meanings: “三” in “三三两两” means “little” , but “三” in “三令五申” means “much”; “三”in “三寸金莲” means “short”, while “三” in“三长两短” means “by any chance” As a result, “three” can express many meanings. [3] (78) English also has many extension meanings about three: “three- ring circus” points an untidy condition”; “the three sheets in the wind” indicates inebriate state after drinking; while“the three handkerchief”means sentimental dramas , the “三” in English has the meaning of “disorder” and “truth” . [4] (98) A number with race characteristics should be translated according to original context without ambiguity and keep faithfulness as far as possible. This aspect is to reserve phonetic characteristics, on the other hand to promote cultural interaction and understand the culture of the original language.#p#分页标题#e#
3.0 Free Translation
Free translation refers to, according to the meaning of the original, without paying attention to the details and translation would also be fluent and natural. Free translation need not pay attention to the form of the original, including construction of the original sentences, meaning of the original works and so on. But free translation does not mean to delete or add content to the original, so translators must consider the original carefully, translate it naturally and express the meaning of the original. Free translation is a skill, which asks translators must know the culture of both source language and target language, and must have extensive knowledge.
3.1 Abridging numerals
There are two methods: A free translation is a translation that reproduces the general meaning of the original text. It may or may not closely follow the form or organization of the original; the other signifies vague semantic even losing signification function. This kind of numerals just makes use of free translation. The kind of circumstance usually appears in the translation of idioms. For instance, “六神无主” (restless) ; “五大三粗” (big and tall); “不管三七二十一” (do something at will regardless of the consequences); “丑八怪” (a very ugly person); “at the eleventh hour” (在最后时候) ; “on cloud nine” (狂喜状态) ; “strike twelve” (达到最高目标) and so on. [5] (67)
Sometimes, we can’t translate by precise numbers to avoid mislead readers. Shakespeare’s play Henry IV has the dialogue:
Prince: That’s to make him eat twenty of his words.
“Twenty” means “little”. Wu Xingxua translated it into “这不过是让像他这样惯于食言的人吃下二十来个字罢了”. “Twenty” can’t express little vague semantic in Chinese. Wu transgresses original righteousness. Compared to Zhu Shenghao’s version, he translated apropos “他是食言而肥的好手, 吃几个字儿是算不了什么的”. [6] (45)
Next sentence must be handled differently:
He had warned me against pickpockets twenty times. Here, “twenty” means not referential times “much” and translate “他多次提醒我提防扒手” .Therefore, when we make use of this method, we need understand the general meaning of the original text so that some numerals are abridged from the original work.
3.2 Changing original numbers
Because different languages have different numeral expression habits, we should translate numbers according to the original language expression habit, and then change original number in order to better translate the meaning of original text. For example, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, there are words: #p#分页标题#e#
“A slave that is not twentieth part of tithe of your precedent lord”
Here are three translators’ versions with the numbers of dissimilarity:
a. 这一个奴才, 还赶不上你前夫的十分之一的二十分之一. (Cao Weifeng)
b. 一个不及你前夫二百分之一的庸奴 …… (Zhu Shenghao)
c. 一个不及你先夫千百分之一的奴才 …… (Bian Zhiling)
The three versions can all reflect the translation method about the number, Cao’s translation belonged to completely literal translation; Zhu didn't change original number as well, just numerals conversion; Bian translated Leaving an original number behind according to Chinese language habit, and not only had not falsity original text, but also made text more idiomatic, and readers also more easily comprehend, regarded as the best translation among the three types. [7] (88)
4.0 substitution translation
The numerals translation’s ideal boundary is the relationship of form and spirit all resembles, however, because English and Chinese have the huge differences in the syntax structure and the basic vocabulary, such translation boundary very inaccessibility. [8] (98) From English to Chinese numbers, some parts from English to Chinese number significance are not close, but indicates on is able to discriminate: Some semantic is the same, semantic has different, when the translation may substitute mutually, this method is “the substitution law”. For instance, a Chinese idiom “七零八落” can be translated into “at sixes and sevens”. While, an English idiom “six of one and half – a-dozen of the other” can make use of substitution translation translating into “半斤八两”. [9] (34)
4.1 Returning original cultural characteristics
There is a great deal of idioms in both Chinese and English. However, as a result of Cultural differences and language features between Chinese and English, the idioms of different languages have their own characteristics. One makes use of numerals the other not. So numerals should be translated according to original language habits. For instance, “A stitch in time saves nine.” and “小洞不补,大洞吃苦” ; “ten to one” and “十有八九” ; “to be flung to the four winds” and “抛到九霄云外” and so on.
4.2 Returning original linguistic habit
Since English and Chinese translation involve two languages, the great differences between Chinese and English in ways of thinking and linguistic habits bring various problems to the translation in order to accord with the original language. For example, “人群马上向他的周围靠拢过来。上千只眼睛盯着他.” (曲波《林海雪原》 ) “The villagers hastily crowded around. Five hundred pairs of eyes were fastened upon him eagerly”. [10] (78)#p#分页标题#e#
5.0 Combination of Literal and Free translation
Literal translation and free translation as two different translation methods are in most cases complementary to each other instead of mutual exclusion although each is suitable for certain conditions of its own. The aim of translation is essential to reproduce fluently, and for that matter, reshape the meaning of source language in the most appropriate style.
5.1 Relative Concepts
Literal translation and free translation, however, are relative concepts. In other words, there is not nither absolutely “literal”, nor entirely “free” version in the practice of translation, and overemphasizing either of them would result in ridiculous consequences. There is a dialogue following:
— Can you come down a little?
— Sorry, it’s one price for all.
We can make use of combination of literal and free translation translating:
—你卖便宜一点买吗？
—对不起，不二价。
Another example:
He had one over the eight after he drank only half bottle of the wine.
他才喝了半瓶酒就醉的七歪八倒了. [11] (38)
The two illustrations show the measure felicitously. Now we come to the conclusion that there is no obvious distinction between literal and free translation, nor is it necessary to distinguish one from the other. The key point for a translator to grasp is to comprehend the original thoroughly and then put it into idiomatic Chinese. First try literally if it is possible, otherwise, resort to free translation. And yet in most cases we adopt both approaches at the same time, which shows that literal translation and free translation are not contradictory but complementary.
5.2 Transformation
Sometimes, we want to indicate readers’ cultural habits, syllable and rhythm. We need transform numerals especially in poets. There is an instance following:
“千山鸟飞绝，万径人踪灭”, some people may translate “千山” into “a thousand mountains” and “万径” into “ten thousand paths”. Although it is right, the context seems too prolix. While, Bynner translates it into:
A hundred mountains and no bird,
A thousand paths without a footprint;
At first sight, this is all terribly paradoxical. Furthermore, it is more visually pleasing and unmistakably conveyed in a poetic style. [12] (139)
6.0 Filling-up Translation
As translators differ individually in their cultural backgrounds, life experiences, reading experience, literary appreciation, aesthetic sensibility as well as their bi-lingual competency, these diversities are eventually reflected in their varied re-creation activities of producing different translated works. So Mark says “The explanation is a translation.” [13] (89)
Understanding is the fundamental purpose of translation. If there is an antinomy between typeface meaning or image meaning and implicit meaning, typeface meaning or image meaning should obey implicit meaning because of the differences of cultures. In other words, we should translate with notes.#p#分页标题#e#
6.1 Making Notations
Notation is the act of clarifying or explaining. Based on the theory of pragmatic translation, we research the necessity and vitality of “cultural addendum” of background knowledge in English-Chinese or Chinese-English translation and point out that “cultural addendum” in pragmatic translation can not only achieve pragmatic equivalence between source language and target language, but also spread culture and promote the mutual understanding between China and the West.
Examples:
Chinese opera Liu San Jie concludes some words:
“高山打鼓远闻声, 三姐唱歌久闻名; 二十七钱摆三注, 九文九文又九文”
This is one of the most typical figures of speech in Chinese, and it is composed of transferred epithet and the central word, both of which are temporarily combined by means of subtle transformation of the meaning of the words. The “twenty seven” is divided into “nine” by three. This sentence contains catch phrases with sly double meaning. [14] (58)
Please follow the translation:
The sound of a drum on a mountain travels, Third Sister Liu has long been known for her singing; divided twenty seven coins by three—the answer is well known!
To make readers understand the double meaning, translators add notations: Twenty seven coins divided by three makes nine coins, “jiu wen” (九文) , pronounced the same as “久闻” meaning “well known” . This type of play on words is very common in Chinese folk songs, where an object may stand for something quite different but having the same sound. (Yang Xianyi & Gladys Yang, 1979)
6.2 Explaining in Translation
To express the original intention clearly, translators, besides translating numerals idioms by language literal translation, have to combine the demands of context increasing some notes in the text, which the meaning takes for granted by original language readers clearly understanding, but translating language unknown. This is the second technique of explanation translation.
Example:
Alger Hiss took the fifth when asked whether he was a member of the Communist Party. “To take the fifth”, known as American idiom, was translated into “taking refugee behind the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States which guarantees any witness the right not to incriminate himself while testifying at a trial” (Boater & Gates , 1975) Therefore, the sentence can be added to the notes: 当被询问是不是共产党时, 他援引宪法第五次修改条款, 避而不答.
7.0 Conclusion
This paper focuses on five translation methods and discusses the translation strategies in dealing with the implicit meanings of numerals with regard to the different cultural backgrounds of the English and the Chinese languages. But numerals have two or more translation methods in context. Intended to express precise quantities, numerals are, predictably, precise in nature. However, in their actual use in discourse, they are often associated with the feature of fuzziness when used rhetorically. Therefore, translation uncertain can’t directly translate original number by literal translation and also translate meaning by changing original numerals, or abridging numbers. Thus, the same numbers have various translation methods. #p#分页标题#e#
In other words, the five laws are not incompatible and they supplement one another. And the translator is the real operator or dominator of the whole translation process, as everything in translation such as the adoption of translation criteria, the selection of translation methods and the final formation of the translated text, etc, is determined by themselves.
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Acknowledgments
I am very grateful here to many individuals who helped me a lot in various ways in the writing of this thesis.
I would express my sincere appreciation to my supervisor, Ms. Qu Yuanyuan who has taught me so much in scientific studies and offered me many reference books. I have met so many difficulties when I did this course, and my tutor gave me great help. She also gave me a carefully check for my work. So I am deeply grateful to her.
