Abstract

Translation is a cross-culture and cross-language communicative activity. In this sense, we can regard translation as a cultural exchange process. A Dream of Red Mansions is one of the four classics of Chinese literature. The idioms in DRM reflect the characteristics of Chinese culture. However, the translation of these idioms poses great challenge to translators. In this thesis, the author made a comparative study on C-E idiom translation with reference to the Yangs’ and David Hawkes’ versions respectively.

Based on the culture classification by Xing Fuyi, the author studied the translation of idioms reflecting intellectual aspect of culture and compared the translating methods employed by the Chinese and English translators respectively. As each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, the selection of appropriate translation method should be consistent with specific context. Meanwhile, the cultural connotation should be reserved as well.

Key words: culture, A Dream of Red Mansions, idiom translation

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction .1

2. Literature Review .  2

2.1 Culture and translation . 2

2.1.1 Understanding culture. .2

2.1.2 Idioms, culture and idiom translation3

2.1.3 The cultural features of idioms in DRM. 4

2.2 Previous studies on the translation of idioms in DRM 7

2.3 Translation method. 8

2.3.1 Literal translation8

2.3.2 Free translation8

3.Comparison of the Translation Method of Chinese Idioms in the Yangs’ 

   Version and Hawks’ Version. 8

3.1 Religion9

3.2 History10

3.3 Legend.11

3.4 Literature.12

4. Conclusion.13

Works Cited .15