英语本科毕业论文-A Study on the Translation of Biblical Idioms.doc

A Study on the Translation of Biblical Idioms -from the Perspective of Pragmatic Equivalence 本科毕业论文（设计）题 目 A Study on the Translation of Biblical Idioms-from the Perspective of Pragmatic Equivalence院（系） 外语系 专 业 12英语专升本 学生姓名 邓 宇 学 号 12039044 指导教师 潘爱华 职称 论文字数 完成日期:2014年5月31日巢湖学院本科毕业论文(设计)诚信承诺书本人郑重声明：所呈交的本科毕业论文(设计)，是本人在导师的指导下，独立进行研究工作所取得的成果。除文中已经注明引用的内容外，本论文不含任何其他个人或集体已经发表或撰写过的作品成果。对本文的研究做出重要贡献的个人和集体，均已在文中以明确方式标明。本人完全意识到本声明的法律结果由本人承担。本人签名： 日期： 巢湖学院本科毕业论文 (设计)使用授权说明本人完全了解巢湖学院有关收集、保留和使用毕业论文 (设计)的规定，即：本科生在校期间进行毕业论文(设计)工作的知识产权单位属巢湖学院。学校根据需要，有权保留并向国家有关部门或机构送交论文的复印件和电子版，允许毕业论文 (设计)被查阅和借阅；学校可以将毕业论文(设计)的全部或部分内容编入有关数据库进行检索，可以采用影印、缩印或扫描等复制手段保存、汇编毕业，并且本人电子文档和纸质论文的内容相一致。保密的毕业论文(设计)在解密后遵守此规定。本人签名： 日期： 导师签名： 日期： AcknowledgmentsI would like to extend my thanks to all those who have contributed to or assisted in the process of writing this thesis. First and foremost, I owe my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Pan Aihua, who has constantly offered me enlightening guidance and encouragement. Her remarkable insights and valuable suggestions have contributed greatly to the fulfillment of this thesis. Without her illuminating instructions and continuous support and encouragement, I could not have been able to shape this thesis smoothly.Special thanks should also be extended to all of the teachers who taught me during my four years of study in Chaohu University, especially our associate professors Pan Aihua and Li Wei. At last, I wish to thank my family and friends for they provide me with their selfless supports and warm-hearted encouragements, which have always been a drive for me during these years. I want to devote this thesis to them to express my gratefulness for all they have done for me, which is really beyond expression. CONTENTSChapter 1 Introduction1Chapter 2 A General Study of Biblical Idioms22.1Definitions of Idiom22.2Idioms in Bible32.3 Features of Biblical Idioms52.3.1 Analogical52.3.2 Story-telling62.3.3 Intertextuality6Chapter 3 Pragmatic Equivalence in Translation73.1 Introduction to Pragmatics73.2 Illocutionary Force Principle in Pragmatic Translation83.3 Pragmatic Implicature in Translation93.4 Significance of the Pursuit of Pragmatic Equivalence11Chapter 4 Application of Pragmatic Equivalence in Biblical Idioms translation124.1 The Guiding Principle of Biblical Idioms Translation124.2Basic Strategies of Biblical Idioms Translation13Chapter 5 Conclusion16Bibliography17 A Study on the Translation of Biblical Idioms -from the Perspective of Pragmatic EquivalenceAbstract: Idioms are reckoned as the essence of language and play an important part in language generally. Biblical Idioms have closely relationship with peoples daily life, the development and transaction of culture. Because of the long history and splendid culture, there exist a great number of Biblical Idioms which are strongly culture-loaded in both English and Chinese. Just like a mirror, Biblical Idioms mirror the characteristics of a nation and make human languages more vivid and colorful. Many theorists, especially, translators have paid attention to these characteristics of idioms and done further researches on the translation of Biblical Idioms from the Perspective of Pragmatic Equivalence.Translation equals to the transmission of culture in essence. It involves not only the transfer of language but also the transmission of culture. In the meantime, it poses difficulties to idiom translation in a way. Biblical Idioms rooted in the special cultural background, so it is bound to complexity. Translators need to link the gap of culture between source text and target text. Pragmatic Equivalence is an important principle in the translation of Biblical Idioms. It is related to the cultural common core between source text and target text. If the language form and its corresponding cultural elements close to the two nuclear, the equivalence can be achieved. On the contrary, it will be difficult. This paper focuses on the the features of Biblical Idioms and strategies of Biblical Idioms translation from the perspective of Pragmatic Equivalence, to promote the communication between Chinese and western culture.Key words: idiom; translation; Biblical Idioms; Pragmatic Equivalence 摘 要习语是语言的精华也是语言的重要组成部分,它与人们的日常生活、文化发展和传播等密切相关。圣经历史悠久、文化灿烂，其语言中存在考虑着大量的习语。这些习语蕴着含丰富的文化内涵, 它们像一面镜子，反映出一个民族的特质，并使人类的语言形象生动,色彩斑斓。圣经习语的特点受到了众多学者的关注,特别是一些翻译学者从语用对等出发对圣经习语翻译进行了广泛的研究。翻译，就其本质而言，是一种文化转换。英汉习语的互译不仅要考虑语言的转换，同时也要文化的转换，同时这也就也给英汉习语的互译造成了一定的难度。圣经习语根植于特殊的文化背景之中，其文化内涵非常深刻，这也注定了其翻译的复杂性，译者需填平不同文化中间的沟壑，稍有不慎就会误入歧途，达不到在源语与目标语之间架起桥梁的效果。在圣经习语的翻译中，语用对等是一项重要原则，而语用对等的获得必须参照原语和目的语之间的语言共核和文化共核，语言的语言形式和其相应的文化元素越接近这两个共核，越能取得对等；反之，则越难。本文主要分析了圣经习语的特点并从语用对等的角度探讨其翻译策略，以便更好地促进两种不同语言之间的文化交流。关键词：习语；翻译；圣经；语用对等；文化 Chapter 1 IntroductionAs an important component of language, idioms enjoy the greatest popularity in every language. Nobody can really grasp a language without learning idioms, because idioms can promote language learning in an authentic way and lead to the fluency of language use.The Bible is often described as “the greatest book ever written.” This is because of its unending significance and influence on people throughout the ages. No other book in history has impacted peoples and cultures like the Bible. Many basic concepts and principles of Western culture have come down from the Bible. Many common English phrases and expressions have their origin in the Bible as well. Even though it was written more than 2,000 years ago, Bible continues to influence people today. People in daily lives apply Biblical idioms into their conversations or writings to express particular feelings and communicate with each other. Due to the widespread of the Bible and the popularity of the Biblical Idioms, many translators devote themselves to translate the idioms in Bible. But target readers with different cultural background hardly understand the real meaning of Biblical idioms because of the culture connotation of Biblical Idioms. So, translators have paid much attention on transferring the undermeaning of the Biblical Idioms. In recent years, linguistics has been introduced to Biblical idiom translation. Someone at home holds that: “Cultural difference between Chinese and English, formed in the development of history, make idioms apparently dissimilar between Chinese and English in meaning due to different living conditions, customs, geographical features and historical backgrounds .”(Zhang Ning,1999: 24). Nidas (1984: 12) dynamic equivalence theory has been one of the most famous theories frequently used culture-specific translation of the word. According to Nida, idioms can be regarded as cultural identity, so his theory can be a great help of Biblical idiom translation, This paper mainly analyze the features of Biblical Idioms and strategies of Biblical idiom translation from the Perspective of Pragmatic Equivalence.Chapter 2 A General Study of Biblical Idioms2.1Definitions of Idiom Idiom is quite familiar to people because of its frequent use in daily life as regard to writing or speaking. Both English and Chinese have a long history with large numbers of idiom which can be seen as the core and essence of languages. Without it, languages may read dull and colorless. But it is very difficult to give a clear definition up to now. Many scholars have put up with some definitions of idiom, however, the criteria of judging what is an idiom and what is not an idiom has been debated for a long time. In addition, owing to differences of languages and cultures, people from different nations maybe have different understanding about idiom, in a bid to make the concept of idiom much clearer, the thesis will present some definitions of English and Chinese idioms respectively. In this way, the readers will have better command of idiom. The word “idiom” itself originates from the Greek word “idiolna” which means “peculiarity” or “specialty”. According to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (1995), the word idiom is defined as “A group of words with a meaning of its own which is different from the meanings of each separate word put together” or “the style of expression in writing, speech or music, which is typical of a particular group of people.”, including set phrases, proverbs, allusion, saying, colloquialism, slang expressions. Advanced Learners English-Chinese Dictionary ( the 6th edition, 2004) gives the definition of “idiom” as “ a group of words whose meaning is different from the meaning of the individual word, 习语，成语，惯用语.” For example, Let the cat out of the bag is an idiom, meaning to reveal a secret by mistake. Websters New World Dictionary of the American Language defines“idiom” as “An accepted phrase, expression or construction contrary to the usual patterns of the language or having the meaning different from the literal, such as the apple of ones eyes, (something very important to someone), neither fish nor fowl(difficult to judge what it is on earth). The English translation theorist, Peter Newmark (2001: 74) also made some statement about idiom, “An idiom is the current and frequently used group of words whose meaning is not clear from the common meaning of its constituent word”. According to the definitions of English idioms mentioned above, we can see some common elements included in discussing the definition of English idiom. Firstly, it is a habitually-used and fixed expression. Such as “love me, love my dog”(爱屋及乌), “better late than never” (迟做总比不做好). Secondly, its meaning is different from the literal level and the meaning cannot be merely inferred from its linguistic component words but must be learned as a unit. Such as “rob Peter to pay Paul” (拆东墙补西墙), “Jack shall have Jill, all shall be well”(有情人终成眷属). Thirdly, it has vivid image and rich cultural connotation as well. Such as “worth ones salt”(表示值得尊敬), “a piece of cake”(小菜一碟).As regard to the definition of Chinese idioms, there is no any exact version of idiom up to now because different people define “成语” from different viewpoints. This paper will defines it in a broad sense. Chinese idiom can also be called “Set phrases” or “short sentences”, which have been used by people for a long time. They often have fixed structure, rich meanings and can be remembered easily with profound truths and regulation about nature. Many Chinese idioms are composed of four characters with balanced structure and harmonious sound. For example, “扬眉吐气”, “过河拆桥”, “防微杜渐”, etc. There are some other definitions of “idiom” given by some scholars. According to the Chinese scholar, Tan Weiguo, “What is an idiom? An idiom is linguistic chunks conforming with fixed phrases and sentences, including Set phrase, proverbs, allusions, and common sayings, etc. and these linguistic chunks have some characteristics, such as conciseness in word, elegance and harmony in rhythm, vivid images. These linguistic chunks often have implied meanings with philosophic meaning to enlighten people.”(1998: 4)In conclusion, the definitions of English and Chinese idioms mentioned above give some common points, for example, idioms are fixed in structure which can not be changed at random; they have abundant cultural connotations, and they are formed in a long language use history. 2.2Idioms in Bible There is a special name of Bible, “Book of Books” in English, stressing that Bible is standing on the top of all the books. As the main body of Christian faith in Western society, Bible has great authority and influence. In the modern world, English has already become the worlds language. And the development of English is influenced by Bible without exception. In a manner of speaking, the beauty of English reflected a lot in Bible. Especially in The King James Bible published in 1611, the Simple, refined and beautiful language showing the strong expression and appeal of language, combining the Bible stories and English language perfectly, laying a solid foundation for the modern English. At the same time, a large number of idioms, proverbs and stories formed during natural spreading, injected fresh blood for English. Biblical Idioms are the essence and crystallization of Bible and also the English language. They are filled with human wisdom and carried with strong national characteristics and play a significant role in displaying a nations culture, thus are heavily culture-loaded. Let us feel the well-known cultural phenomenon-Biblical Idioms through the following examples. 1. Adams apple: the protruding part in a mans throat(喉结). According to the Bible, when deceived by the serpent, Eve and Adam ate the apple and the latter was choked by the forbidden fruit. Since then, there has been a protruding part in mens throat, which is one of the primary physical differences between males and females.(Genesis 3) 2. With a strong hand (用强硬的手段). “Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.”(Exodus 6)3. Cast pearls before swine: choose the wrong audience. “Dont give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”(Matthew 7:6) Due to the constantly spreading over time, this idiom become an international idiom containing contemptuous ridicule colors. 4. Eye for eye: revenge. “If men fight and hurt a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely, and yet no harm follows, he shall be surely fined as much as the womans husband demands and the judges allow. But if any harm follows, then you must take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise.” (Exodus 21: 22) 5. Have itching ears: inquisitive or eager to know news. Pauls Second letter to Timothy: Paul encouraged Timothy to be faithful to Jesus in spite of the difficulties and shoulder the responsibility of a missionary. He said, For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts(Timothy 4: 3).2.3 Features of Biblical Idioms2.3.1 Analogical Biblical Idioms mainly use analogy to explain the abstract religious significance by borrowing a certain specific natural object or human activities. Biblical Idioms are rooted in daily life, so there are many Biblical Idioms using the name of a person, the name of a plant, the name of an animal or some other things（Xia Yunxiu, 2009: 10). Here are some examples : 1. Ones ewe lamb(一只小母羊羔，比喻最珍爱的东西) “But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.” (Samuel 12)2. wolf in sheeps clothing (披着羊皮的狼，貌善心恶的人) When Jesus preached at Galilee, he was respected by many believers. One day, he said to them, “Be aware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7) 3. Judas Kiss(犹大之吻，比喻可耻的叛卖、变节行为) “Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: The one I kiss is the man; arrest him. Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, Greetings, Rabbi! and kissed him. Jesus replied, Friend, do what you came for. Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.” (Matthew 26:49) 4. I am Alpha and Omega（我是阿拉法，我是俄梅戛，比喻事物的开始和结尾) “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1: 8) 5. A Grain of mustard (一粒芥菜种,比喻事物具有强大生命力) “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field.” (Matthew 13: 32）2.3.2 Story-telling Biblical idioms explain the abstract figurative meaning through the way of “story-telling”. For example, the Biblical idiom “by the skin of ones teeth” tells a story in old Testament. God wanted to test Job and made him lose his wealth, children and suffer from illness. Job didnt make any complaint. When his friends came to see him, he said to them: “He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the childrens sake of mine own body. Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.” (Job 19: 17-20) So, people today use “by the skin of ones teeth” to describe someone almost fail in something or fortunate escape.Another Biblical idiom “an eye for an eye”, comes from the Old Testament. In that story Moses issued a law that Israeli must obey:“Any one cannot bear false witness, if someone did,