Abstract

Currently the globalization is hot and the communication at home and abroad becomes increasingly frequent. Foreigners have keener interests in Chinese cuisine culture, which makes Chinese culture enhance the whole world. Therefore, the English translation of Chinese dish names is getting more and more important. If the translation is correct and suitable, the foreigner can not only enjoy the delicious Chinese food, but also understand the ingredients, cooking methods, shape and flavor of dishes. Moreover, dish names could illustrate abundant historical and cultural connotation behind. However, China and West countries have formed cuisine cultural differences due to their different living environment, customs, value concepts that have shaped for a long time. During the translation, the translator should use translation strategies flexibly such as literal translation, free translation, transliteration etc. Thus, the translation of Chinese dishes can gain foreigners’ recognition and also contribute to the better dissemination of Chinese cuisine culture.

Keywords: cuisine cultural differences; Chinese dish names; English translation;    translation strategies

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

2.1 Differences of cuisine culture between China and the West-2

2.2 English translations methods of Chinese dish names-2

3. Different Characteristics of Cuisine Culture between Chinese and West-4

3.1 Concept of diet-4

3.2 Selection of raw material-5

3.3 Naming dishes-5

3.4 Cooking methods and cutting-7

4. Problems in English Translation of Chinese Dish Names-7

4.1 Multiple translations for one dish name-8

4.2 Queasy or odd renderings-8

4.3 Failure in conveying the cultural connotation in original dish names-9

4.4 Failure in expressing the necessary information about the dishes-10

5. Suggested Translation Strategies-10

5.1 Standardizing the English translation of Chinese dish name-11

5.2 Achieving international recognition-11

5.3 Preserving cultural characteristics-12

5.4 Conveying the information functions-13

5.5 Free translation-14

6. Conclusion-15

Works Cited-17