翻译理论

The application of translation theory

Abstract

After one and a half year’s study of translation theory, although not as professional as some peers, I am able to have a scarce access to the mainstream translation theories around the world. In spite of still not being able to put forward some new theories, I have some opinions toward the application of translation theory. As a translation major, making full use of translation theories to facilitate translating is of great significance. The essay will try to elaborate on the benefits of application of multiple translation theories when translating a text from three aspects, breaking the fetters of a single theory.

Keyword: application, multiple translation theories, optimize

The old theory has been out of date and more new theories need to be adopted. The world is changing. So does translation theory. “Faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance” put forward by Yan Fu are very useful when applied to the translation in his century under the condition of his times. However, it is not absolutely wrong to use Yan Fu’s theory in our times, but we need to adopt some new theories to meet the needs of the development. For example: when translating the Chinese brand “白熊” to English, which one should we adopt? “White Bear” or“Polar Bear”? As is known to all, “Polar Bear” is a nickname of Russia internationally. Therefore, it is better to be translated into “White Bear”. Likewise, considering the different images of dragon in Chinese culture and western culture, “金龙” is better to be translated as “King Long”instead of “Golden Dragon”, for dragon in China represents luck and sacredness while in western countries stands for devil and monster. Clearly, in the translation of advertisement, Yan Fu’s faithfulness is no longer applicable. Consequently, with the development of the society, translation theory needs to be updated, which requires translators to learn more new theories and use them to direct translation process.

With application of multiple theories, the final translated version can be optimized. The function of a translation theory is not only to direct translation process but also to help evaluate the final version. Gutt in his relevance theory states that human communication crucially creates an expectation of optimal relevance, that is, an expectation on the part of the hearer that his attempt at interpretation will yield adequate contextual effects at minimal processing cost①. The author would like to draw an analogy from his theory and make a conclusion that the aim of applying multiple translation theories in translating process is to reach an optimal final version at the expense of minimal evaluating cost. If a final translated version can meet the demand of multiple theories, then it must be the best. For example, if a translated version can not only be faithful, expressive and elegance but also meet the requirements of fictional equivalence, then it must be better. Of course, sometimes, although not all the criteria are met, we have to try to optimize it anyway.

From the aspect of translation criticism, accessing a translation with multiple theories and allowing different opinions can avoid subjectivity, which gives the readers more freedom to choose the best translations without misleading. Mary Snell-hornby says in her book that Translation studies have been hampered by classical modes of categorization, which operate with rigid dividing-lines, binary opposites, antitheses and dichotomies. Frequently there are mere academic constructs which paralyze the finer differentiation required in all aspects of translation studies②. It is quite common that in China, many scholars still stick to some old theories and apply them to all kinds of texts in translation③. Even though some are able to make a step and learn some new theories from western countries, usually they are just a proponent of only one theory, criticizing others’. It is time to be open and general. With the help of multiple theories, a translated version can be accessed from different aspects. Therefore, it is more objective for a translator to evaluate a translated version using different theories. As a result, the readers are able to make their own judgment, considering various aspects.

Conclusion