Abstract: This thesis aims to investigate the transfer of beauty of images in Ancient Chinese poetry and to explore translation methods and strategies, by means of making a contrastive study on theories and translation practices of Tang poetry of Xu Yuanchong and Weng Xianliang, in order to provide further enlightenment for translators. Since image is a very important term in Chinese poetry which contains rich meanings, its translation brings many certain difficulties to translators. Xu Yuanchong advocates that poetry translation should according to Three Transformations, while, Weng Xianliang stands for reproduction of image. On the basis of their theories, conclusion is drawn after dividing images into several categories and doing a contrastive research in terms of their translation practices by using a contrast analysis method. Thesis concludes that when translating images, preservation, omission and substitution can be used and proper techniques and methods should be chosen by translators accurately so that the cultural connotation and beauty can be transferred to readers. 

Key words: English translation of Chinese poetry; image translation; translation methods and strategies

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review.2

3. Image in Poetry and Image translation.3

3.1 The Definition of Image

3.2 The Classification of Image

  3.2.1 Archetypal Image

  3.2.2 Improvisational Image

  3.2.3 Non-cultural Image

4. Contrastive Study of Xu’ and Weng’s Translation of Image.5

  4.1 Translation Theory of Xu Yuanchong

4.2 Translation Theory of Weng Xianliang

4.3 The Contrastive Analysis of Their Translation Practices

     4.3.1 Translation of Natural Images

   4.3.2 Translation of Symbolic Images

   4.3.3 Translation of Myths and Fairy Tales

   4.3.4 Translation of Climates and Seasons

   4.3.5 Translation of Place Names

5. Conclusion .12

Bibliography 14

Acknowledgements .15