Unit 1 Introduction

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Nature
--if
it refers to a process, in which something is translated, then we may regard it as a craft or skill. For unlike any branch of natural science, the process of translation has its peculiarity, and none of its rules and principles are universally applicable. Besides, it entails (needs) a l o t o f p r a c t i c e - - - - p a r t i c u l a r craftsmanship and skills are displayed by the touched of differeterms of materials to be translated translation of scientific materials, translation of literary works, like novels, stories, prose, poetry, drama, etc., translation of political essays such as treatises on social problems, reports, speeches, etc., translation of practical writing (as official documents, contracts and agreements, notices, etc.);
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IV. Literal Translation and Free Translation
Unit 1 Introduction: Translation and Translation Techniques
I. Important Role of Translation
Definition: Translation is a rendering from one language into another, i. e., the faithful representation in one language of what is written or said in another from language.
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III. Principles or Criteria of Translation
The so-called principles and criteria of translation are actually the two sides of the same thing. Principles--lays emphasis on the translator, who should follow them while translating. Criteria-- lays emphasis on the reader or critic, who may use the criteria to evaluate translation works.
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Scope
--In terms of languages from native languages into foreign language and vice versa; --in terms of the mode(方式，模式） oral interpretation, written translation and machine translation; --in terms of forms（形式） full-text translation (全译), abridged translation (摘译) or adapted translation (编译).
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III. Principles or Criteria of Translation
Despite the variety of opinions, two criteria are almost unanimously accepted, namely, the criterion of faithfulness/accuracy (忠实/准确), and that of smoothness (流畅). We may also take these two criteria as the principles of translation in general.
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II. Nature and Scope of Translation
What is translation? Some people believe it is a science, others takes it as an art; and yet many consider it a craft, or rather, a skill. The very word “translation” itself is ambiguous, and the Chinese equivalent “fanyi” sounds even fuzzier.
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I. Important Role of Translation
As a means of communication, translation plays an important role in human civilization. In the West, literary translation can be traced back to 300 BC, while in China, recorded translation activities are even earlier, dating from the Zhou Dynasty(周代1100BC). However, not until recent centuries, especially by the end of the 19th century did systematic study of translation get under way. In the past decades translation theories and activities have developed fast both at home and abroad.
--If
--if it refers to some specific pieces of translation, then it is more like an art, with each piece manifesting its own charms and style in the creative hands of the translator; whereas,
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Nature
the word “translation” refers to a subject, namely, the study of translation theory and skills, it is no doubt a science, just as any subject is, with its own rules, laws and principles for the translators to abide by; however,
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3) Fu Lei (傅雷)-- spiritual conformity (神似) , emphasizes the reproduction of the spiritual or the flavor of the original. Qian Zhongshu( 钱 钟 书 )—puts forward sublimed adaptation ( 化 境), focuses on the translator’s smooth and idiomatic Chinese version for the sake of the Chinese reader.
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III. Principles or Criteria of Translation
By faithfulness/accuracy, we mean to be faithful not only to the original contents, to the original meaning and views, but also to the original form and style. By smoothness, we mean not only easy and readable rendering, but also idiomatic expression in the target language, free from stiff formula and mechanical copying from dictionaries.
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Important Role of Translation
I.
A proper and dexterous translation helps to promote mutual understanding between peoples of different cultural and social backgrounds, whereas a misunderstanding o r i m p r o p e r r e n d e r i n g o f w o r d s or expressions may lead to confusion even disasters. For example, a popular Chinese lipstick with the trademark “芳芳”, when transliterated into English as “Fangfang”, creates a hideous image--the English word “fang” happens to have two disagreeable definitions: a. a long, sharp tooth of a dog; b. a snake’s p o i s o n o u s t o o t h .
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III. Principles or Criteria of Translation
1) Yan Fu’s (严复) “three-character guide”, the principle of “信、达、雅” (faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance.) 2) “雅”means far more than English word “elegance”. Apart from the traditional interpretation, it also means classicism(古典 主义), the adherence to the original style and flavor. “雅” is discarded and some other new criteria are found instead, such as: “信、达、切” (faithfulness, expressiveness and closeness), （刘重德） “信、达、贴” (faithfulness, expressiveness and fitness).