Abstract: Translation is not only a conversion between two languages, but also involves an exchange of two cultures. It is indispensable for scholars to research on translation compensation strategies due to the fact that linguistic and cultural differences may bring about translation loss or untranslatability. In China, the research on translation compensation commenced in 1980s, whose scope still remains narrow, lagging behind other theoretical researches in translation. In order to acquire deeper understanding of compensation research, this paper presents a comprehensive introduction concerning theory of translation compensation from the perspective of four principles—semantic compensation, grammatical compensation, cultural compensation and aesthetic compensation. By taking Mo Yan’s (莫言) classic work Sandalwood Death for an example, the paper illustrates classification and application of translation compensation strategy in the hope of improving literary translation.

Key words: literary translation ; compensation translation principle; compensation translation

strategy; Sandalwood Death

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2.Translation Loss2

  2.1 Translation Loss in Symbols2

  2.2 Translation Loss in Sounds.2

  2.3 Translation Loss in Meanings.2

    2.3.1 Loss on Conceptual Meaning2

    2.3.2 Loss on Connotative Meaning.3

2.3.3 Loss on Emotional Meaning3  

3.Translation Compensation.3

3.1 Definition of Translation Compensation3

3.2 Principle of Translation Compensation4

    3.2.1 Semantic Compensation4

    3.2.2 Grammatical Compensation5  

    3.2.3 Cultural Compensation6

    3.2.4 Aesthetic Compensation8

4. A Case Study of Sandalwood Death9

4.1 A Brief Introduction of Sandalwood Death9 

4.2 Translation Compensation Methods in Sandalwood Death.9 

  4.2.1 Method of Addition10

  4.2.2 Method of Summary.10

  4.2.3 Method of Substitution11 

  4.2.4 Method of Annotation.11

5.Conclusions.12 

Bibliography 13

Acknowledgments14