Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 The Background of the Study-1

1.2 Purpose and Significance of the Study-1

1.3 Organization of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-2

2.1 Definitions of Conceptual Metaphor-2

2.2 Classifications of Conceptual Metaphor-2

2.3 Previous Studies of Metaphor-3

2.3.1 Studies of Metaphor Abroad-3

2.3.2 Studies of Metaphor at Home-4

Chapter Three Comparative Study of Three Translated Versions from the Perspective of Conceptual Metaphor Theory-5

3.1 The Translatability of Chinese Classical Poetry-5

3.2 Translation Strategies under Conceptual Metaphor Theory-5

3.2.1 Equivalent Mapping-5

3.2.2 Abstract Mapping-6

3.2.3 Domestic Mapping-6

3.3 Conceptual Metaphor Strategies Used in Translating Shui Diao Ge Tou-6

Chapter Four Conclusion-13

4.1 Major Findings-13

4.2 Limitations of the Thesis-13

4.3 Suggestions for Further Research-13

References-14

Abstract

 At present, with the fast development of China, more and more foreigners are getting more curious about China and its culture. Hence, translating Chinese culture into English or other foreign languages becomes a big problem, especially for some special forms of Chinese culture such as Chinese classical poetry which is rich in metaphors. This thesis will examine the translation of Chinese classical poetry from the perspective of conceptual metaphor. The historical studies of metaphor can be traced back to the era of Aristotle, and generally speaking, metaphor is viewed as a rhetorical device. However, in Metaphors We Live By issued in 1980, Lakeoff and Johnson first claim that metaphor is not only a rhetorical device, but also a way of thinking. That is to say, they believe that metaphor is a cognitive tool. Based on their researches on metaphors, they put forward the conceptual metaphor theory that brought the study of metaphors into a new era. With the conceptual metaphor theory, this thesis will also make a comparison of three versions of a Chinese classical poetry---- Shui Diao Ge Tou to analyze the use of this theory in the translation of the Chinese classical poetry.

Keywords: Conceptual metaphor  Chinese classical poetry  Translation  Shui Diao Ge Tou