Abstract: Ci, as a most representative literature in the history of China, has achieved more and  more popularity in western countries nowadays. It is obviously inevitable that the translation of tune names is increasingly important in spite of many challenges in this process. This paper based on an analysis of the connotations of tune names and the comparison between different translations of tune names with different methods, offers a proposal that free translation combined with cultural approach should be the standard translation technique for tune names. Thus, it is meaningful not only to study cultural connotations and translations of tune names, but also to promote the standardization of translation methods used in tune names.

Key words: tune names ; English translation; translation methods; standardization

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review 2

3. Translation Methods of Tune Names  3

  3.1 Free Translation

  3.2. Transliteration

  3.3. Zero Translation

4. Manipulation of Different Methods in Tune Names’ Translation5

  4.1. General Tune Names 

  4.2. Special Tune Names

    4.2.1. Tune Names with the Name of Person and Places

    4.2.2. Tune Names with Historical Allusions

4.2.3.Tune Names with “令”、“慢”and “近”

4.2.4.Tune Names with “歌”、“子”and “吟”

5. Comparisons of Different Translations .9

  5.1.Analysis of “声声慢”in Different Versions

  5.2.Analysis of “江城子”in Different Versions

6. Conclusions11

Bibliography.12

Acknowledgments13