中英习语中有关数字的翻译研究

分类号 单位代码 密 级 学 号 0703210204 学生毕业论文 题目 中英习语中有关数字的翻译研究 作者：薛研 指 导 教 师 刘学 专业技术职称 讲师 （小三号，宋 学科（专业） 英 语 答 辩 日 期 2011 年 5 月 2011 年 5 月 2 T Chinese and English Idioms Related to Number and Their Translations A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of Foreign Language Department Yulin University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts by Xue Miao 3 May，2011 Acknowledgements This thesis would not have been completed without much generous assistance. First and foremost, for encouragement, support, and frank criticism at various stages of the development of this thesis, I deeply appreciate Associate Professor Liu Xue, my supervisor, who has afforded me valuable scholarly advice and corrected my paper patiently. Many heartfelt thanks also go to all the professors in English Department of Yulin College, who have greatly benefited my intellectual growth through their inspiring lectures. I am grateful to my classmates, without whose care and support I could not have completed this thesis. 4 Abstract: Idioms have been studied by many people from many respects. This thesis numbers, and to discuss the translation strategies. As is known, numeral idioms are fo rmed on the basis of a nations history, economy, culture, tradition and custom. Their meanings are beyond the simple sum of each word in the idioms, and much more prof ound than that of a single number. To correctly comprehend and properly translate nu meral idioms calls for a wide range of background knowledge concerning the cultural elements in both source language and target language. This thesis studies the origin of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers and discusses the strategies of translating Chinese and English idioms related to numbers so that people from two counties can understand and communicate well. Keywords: idioms; numbers; translation strategies 5 摘要：习语已经被很多人从不同方面研究过。本文主要研究中英习 语中的数字以及它们的翻译技巧。 众所周知， 有关数字的习语是 在一个国家历史、经济、文化、传统、习俗的基础上形成的,所以,习 语中数字的意思要比一个单独的数字的意思要深刻。为了能够准确 地理解并恰当的翻译中英习语中的数字习语，需要对原语言和目的 语言的背景做充分的了解。 本文通过对中英数字习语的来源以及它 们四种翻译技巧的研究，让人们更准确地翻译中英数字习语，从而 使中英两国人民能有更好的理解及交流。 关键词：习语 数字 翻译 6 Table of Contents Acknowledgements i Abstract in Englishii Abstract in Chineseiii 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Definition of Chinese and English idioms1 1.2 The origin of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers 1.2.1 From history perspective 1.2.2 From custom perspective 2 Chinese and English idioms related to numbers. 2.1 Chinese and English idioms related to numbers 2.2 Comparison of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers. 2.3 Connotations of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers 3 Strategies for the translations of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers9 7 3.1 Literal Translation 3.2 Free Translation 3.3 Replacement of numerals 3.4 Accession or omission of numerals 4 Some problems existing in the translations of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers and their solutions 4.1 Similar Counterpart in the Target Language with Different Use in Context 4.2 Hard to Maintain National Flavor of Numerical Idioms 5 Conclusions References22 8 Chinese and English Idioms Related to Number and Their Translations 1 Introduction This thesis consists of four parts. First, it studies the concept of idioms, and also the main origin and understandings of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers. Second, it gives the comparison and contrast of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers and their cultural connotations. The third part is the body of the thesis. It lists some practical examples and analyzes the specific translating skills. Finally it demonstrates some difficulties and problems in the translation of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers and their solutions. . 1.1 Definition of Chinese and English idioms 1.1.1Definition of Chinese and English idioms Many definitions of idioms are given in different dictionaries. It is found that the definition from Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary(Tenth Edition)is more reasonable and authoritative, which goes like this: Idiom is” an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either grammatically or in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements.” From this definition, some characteristic of idioms can be summarized: One is that an expression can refer to either a phrase or a sentence. The next is that the expression used in a language must be peculiar to itself either in grammar or in meaning. And the last one is that its meaning is not clear from the meaning of its individual words and must be learnt as a whole unit. The typical idioms are“胸有成竹”and “spill the beans”, which cannot be understood from the individual words. 9 1.1.2 Definition of idioms related to numbers On the basis of the above definition of idiom, numerical idiom in this study is defined as the idiom containing numbers. For instance,耳目一新,二龙戏珠,三顾茅庐,四 通八达,五谷丰登,六亲不认,one by one, in two twos, three cheers, give somebody five, at sixes and sevens, have nine lives and ten to one. 1.2 The origins of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers 1.2.1 From history perspective The different historical backgrounds of the English and Chinese peoples have provided rich and varied materials for their numerical idioms, and consequently give a national color to the numerical idioms in the two languages. Chinese numerical idioms In the following idioms it is evident that the historical events contribute much to their distinctive national features. 1)三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮(Three cobblers with their wits combined equal Zhu geliang the master mind-the wisdom of the masses exceeds that of the wisest individual) In the Period of Three Kingdoms, ZhuGe liang was Prime Minister of Shu and very talented statesman and then became the symbol of wisdom. 2)三顾茅庐 (to call on somebody three times to show ones sincerity) This idiom comes from “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” Liu Bei made three personal calls at the thatched cottage where Zhuge Liang was living to solicit his help to conquer the country and it was during the last call that Zhuge Liang promised to help him. English numerical idioms Compared with Chinese historical events, English-speaking countries have their own history, which has much to do with English numerical idioms. The following are some examples regarding their own distinctive history: 1) Rome was not built in one day(it takes time, patience, and hard work to do a difficult or important job). 10 2) Six of one and half a dozen of the other The first English numerical idiom was created in the Period of Roman Conquest, while the second one was produced after Denmark Conquered England. 1.2.2 From custom perspective China and English-speaking countries have their own social customs, which are very crucial to the form of numerical idioms in these two countries. Chinese numerical idioms 1)三媒六证 (through three negotiators and the sending of the six kinds of bridal gifts-marriage according to all the traditional rules) 2)三从四德 (The Three Obediences, to father before marriage, to husband after marriage, and to son when widowed, and the Four Virtues, morality, proper speech, modest manner and diligent work-spiritual fetters imposed on women in feudal society) In the above examples, the first two are about the social customs of China,. English numerical idioms a nine days wonder(a person or event that attracts a lot of notice and is the subject of much talk for a short time but is soon forgotten) This idiom comes out of the custom of the ancient Rome. Roman regarded the abnormal phenomenon in the nature as the bad omen. As a consequence, in order to prevent misfortune, the Roman Catholic Church would hold a nine-day religious ritual to pray for good luck, which was also known as “novena”. But no one would talk about it after the ending of the nine-day praying. From the example above, it can be seen that it is closely related to the social customs. 2 Chinese and English idioms related to numbers 2.1 Comparison of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers 2.1.1Similarities of English and Chinese Numerical Idioms As to the contain slang, range of English and Chinese numerical idioms, both of these two languages proverbs 11 2.1.1.1Range Slang Slang is a colorful, alternative vocabulary. It bristles with humor, vituperation. So in everyday use, it is necessary for the learner to master a certain amount of slang, including some slang with numbers. In Chinese, slang is not as popular as in English, the number of which is only a few, for example: (1) four-letter man 一 a slow-witted man (2) ten oclock scholar 一 a floppy student (3)二百五住一 a bold or stupid fellow Proverbs Human experiences and observations of the world are in many respects similar. In spite of the dissimilar cultural backgrounds of the Chinese and the English-speaking peoples, the number used in proverbs with numbers in the two languages is surprisingly approximate. Consider the following: (4)百闻不如一见一 Seeing is Believing. (5)一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳一 Once bitten by a snake, one shies at coiled rope for ten years; he that has been bitten by a serpent is afraid of rope. 2.1.2Differences 2.1.2.2 Cultural differences This part explores the cultural differences including the following 6 aspects: religious beliefs, aesthetic perceptions, historical events, classical works, mythologies, and social customs and living conditions. Different religious beliefs Religion plays a very important role in both Chinese and English numerical idioms. Most experts agree that religion has endeavored to explain those notions about life that could not be understood. According to Nanda(1994),religion” deals with the nature of life and death, the creation of the universe, the origin of society and groups within the society, the relationship of individuals and groups to one another, and the relation of humankind to nature”. Therefore, the differences between Chinese and 12 English numerical idioms can be traced back to the religion. Chinese numerical idioms From ancient to present. Secondly, a large number of Chinese numerical idioms can be traced back to Buddhism. It has been a part of Chinese culture and exerted enormous influence on Chinese traditional culture and present life as well. The following are a few Chinese numerical idioms concerning religion: The idiom“道高一尺,魔高一丈”is originally the warning in Buddhism to warn Buddhist disciples against the outside temptations, which reminds the disciples of the tough prospect to overcome all the difficulties both inside and outside in order to make slightest achievement. Now it is used to tell there is always at least one power stronger than the other. English numerical idioms In the English-speaking countries, many people believe in Christianity and regard the Bible as one of the most important classics in their life. The Bible is comprehensive of nearly all the matters in life so that it acts as not only a classic in religion but also an important supporter of British culture, or even of western culture. Therefore, the Bible has contributed greatly to English numerical idioms. The following are some typical examples: 1) Three in one (the trinity) 2) Three cheers (an expression of approval, cheering by a crowd to salute sb/sth with three times) 2.2 Connotations of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers 2.2.1 The connotative meanings of numeral 1 In English and Chinese Numeral 1 is the simplest and the most complicated one. No matter in Eastern culture or in Western culture, numeral 1 represents the meaning of “beginning”,“integrity” and “self”. In Chinese traditional culture, the connotations of numeral 1 are mentioned in many famous works. Laotzi(老子),a Chinese philosopher of late Spring and Autumn period and the founder of Taoism, said:“道生一，一生二，二生三，三生万物”(Tao produced one, one produced two, two produced three, three produced everything)in his work Tao Teh 13 Ching(道德经).Thus numeral 1 can be used for marking the beginning, the founder and the origin of all things; besides,“一”in the works can be explained as “self” or “self-consciousness”. Under the influence of this notion, today we are used to calling “I” the first person;” you” the second person ;“he/she” the third person. The meaning of “integrity” can be caught in a famous thought presented by Zhuangzi(庄子),a Taoist philosopher in the Warring States period,“天人合一” （harmonious union of Man with Nature）,in which the numeral means “integrity”. As a result of the numerals special place in Chinese culture, Chinese people have a special feeling to numeral 1.It is the feeling that drives people unconsciously to pursue integrity and consummation for everything. 2.2.2 The connotative meanings of numeral 10 in English and Chinese Numeral 10 is a full, perfect and auspicious number in Chinese peoples mind. The same is true with English culture. Numeral 10 embodies “complete integrityand “consummation”. Chinese people like to use the following expressions with numeral 10:“十全十美”,“ 十拿九稳”,“十分”,“十足”,etc. There are relevant English expressions, for example,“the upper ten”,(社会精英)“ten- minute man”(能挣钱的人),and so on. In China, there are lots of explanations about the nature of numeral 10.For example, Han Shu (汉书)says“The numeral starts with one, ends with ten.” (“数始于一,终于十”).In addition, the meaning of numeral 10 derives from its form of written character“十”.One part“一”means“the east and the west”;while the other part“”refers to“the south and the north. So the character“十”includes all the directions. It is clear that numeral 10 contains the meaning of “completion and perfection, and peak, etc. In English numeral 10 is the symbol of perfection and completion. In the prayer of the Pythagoreans addressed to the tetraktys, hey described numeral 10 as “the mother of all, the all-comprising, the all-bounding, the first-born, the never- swerving, the never-tiring holy ten, the key holder of all”(Tobias Dantzig,1947).Furthermore, according to Pythagoreans, the numeral is the sum of the first four numerals:1,2,3,4; and it is a return to numeral 1 from the other nine 14 numerals as well(1+0=1).If everything starts with it, they must end with it.(陈卫 国等,2006) 3 Strategies for the translations of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers 3.1 Literal Translation Literal translation, also known in everyday usage as direct translation, denotes the rendering of text from one language to another “word-for-word“ (Latin: “verbum pro verbo“) rather than conveying the sense of the original. However, in translation studies, literal translation denotes technical translation of scientific, technical, technological or legal texts.1 Another term for literal translation, in translation theory, is metaphrase; and for prasal (“sense“) translation paraphrase. When considered a bad practice of conveying word by word (lexeme to lexeme or morpheme to lexeme) translation of non-technical type literal translations has the meaning of mis-translating idioms 2, for example, or in the context of translating an analytic language to a synthetic language, it renders even the grammar unintelligible English and Chinese share a lot in common in their use of numerals, i.e. there are certain numerals used in both languages for more or less the same concepts. In translating numerals of this kind, a translator can well use an equivalent numeral in the target language, e.g. one (一)，two(二)，three(三)，and nine(九).For instance: A stitch in time saves nine.一针及时省九针。 A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.双鸟在林不如一鸟在手。 Go fishing for three days and dry the nets for two. 三天打鱼两天晒网 The Red Army fears not the trials of the Long. 红军不怕远征难,万水千山只等 闲。 A wonder lasts but nine days.怪异新鲜不出立天。 Two is company, three is none.三人成伴，二人不欢。 15 When three know it, all know it.二人知，天下晓。 He ran down the avenue, making a noise like ten horses at a gallop. (Harvey King) 他在林荫大道上奔跑着，制造的喧闹如土马奔腾。 however,十马奔腾 is not seemingly as good as 万马奔腾，which is a colloquial expression in Chinese. Yet the former is a better choice in this case, as it well conveys the rhetorical effect in the original and meanwhile achieves a humorous effect. There are similar cases in C-E translation. Compare the following examples with their translations. 新婚乍别，不免有二旦呈丝之感。 这是个二手电脑，便宜! The PC is inexpensive; I bought it second-hand. both 一，三 and one, three are used with vague meanings and the preservation of original numerals in the translation makes the idea clearly and neatly expressed. Both 二 as in 二手 and second as in second-hand are used vaguely simply meaning old; not new. Either expression is vivid, thus there being no need to change the numeral in the translation. Our discussion shows that there is one-to-one correspondence between English and Chinese in some cases. In such cases literal translation is a normal strategy to use. 3.2 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, metaphor of the original and so on, But free translation does not mean to delete or add content to the original and translators must consider the original carefully, know its stress, translate it naturally, express the meaning of the original. Free translation is a 16 skill which translators must know the culture of both source language an