Abstract: Names are the productions of the development of culture and society so that national cultural features can be clearly seen from them. It is obviously inevitable to translate names in the course of cross-cultural communication. There are similarities between English names and Chinese names, as well as differences. This thesis aims to offer a proposal that culture, traditions, religions, customs, and social values, in accordance with translation principles and methods, should be taken into consideration in the process of name translations. Only in this way can successful international communication be guaranteed. Thus, it is meaningful not only to study and master cultural connotations and translations principles of English and Chinese names, but also to conform to principles and apply translation methods into practice.

Key words: English names and Chinese names; cultural connotations; translation principles; translation methods

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review...2

3. Cultural Comparison between Chinese and English Names .3

3.1 Similarities of Chinese and English Names

  3.1.1 Specific Reference

  3.1.2 Gender Distinction

  3.1.3 Preference to Beauty

  3.1.4 Longing for Nature

3.2 Differences between Chinese and English Names

3.2.1 Impact of Religions

3.2.2 Forms

4. Translation Principles and Methods of Chinese and English Names9

4.1 Pinyin or Transliteration

    4.1.1 Pinyin: Chinese Names to English Names

    4.1.2 Transliteration: English Names to Chinese Names

4.2 Paraphrase

4.3 Combination of Transliteration and Paraphrase

5. Conclusions.11

Bibliography.12

Acknowledgements..13