中英習(xí)語中有關(guān)數(shù)字的翻譯研究

1、分類號(hào) 單位代碼 密 級(jí) 學(xué) 號(hào)學(xué)生畢業(yè)論文題目 中英習(xí)語中有關(guān)數(shù)字的翻譯研究 作者：薛研指 導(dǎo) 教 師 劉學(xué) 專業(yè)技術(shù)職稱 講師 （小三號(hào)，宋學(xué)科（專業(yè)） 英 語 答 辯 日 期 2011年5月 2011年 5月T Chinese and English Idioms Related to Number and Their TranslationsA Thesis Presented to theFaculty of Foreign Language DepartmentYulin UniversityIn Partial Fulfillmentof the Requirements for

2、 the Degree of Bachelor of ArtsbyXue Miao May，2011 AcknowledgementsThis thesis would not have been completed without much generous assistance. First and foremost, for encouragement, support, and frank criticism at various stages of the development of this thesis, I deeply appreciate Associate Profes

3、sor Liu Xue, my supervisor, who has afforded me valuable scholarly advice and corrected my paper patiently.Many heartfelt thanks also go to all the professors in English Department of Yulin College, who have greatly benefited my intellectual growth through their inspiring lectures.I am grateful to m

4、y classmates, without whose care and support I could not have completed this thesis. Abstract: Idioms have been studied by many people from many respects. This thesis numbers, and to discuss the translation strategies. As is known, numeral idiom

5、s are formed on the basis of a nations history, economy, culture, tradition and custom. Their meanings are beyond the simple sum of each word in the idioms, and

6、 much more profound than that of a single number. To correctly comprehend and properly translate numeral idioms calls for a wide range of background knowledge concerning&

7、#160;the cultural elements in both source language and target language. This thesis studies the origin of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers and discusses the strategies of translating Chinese and English idioms related to numbers so that people from two

8、 counties can understand and communicate well.Keywords: idioms; numbers; translation strategies摘要：習(xí)語已經(jīng)被很多人從不同方面研究過。本文主要研究中英習(xí)語中的數(shù)字以及它們的翻譯技巧。 眾所周知， 有關(guān)數(shù)字的習(xí)語是在一個(gè)國家歷史、經(jīng)濟(jì)、文化、傳統(tǒng)、習(xí)俗的基礎(chǔ)上形成的,所以,習(xí)語中數(shù)字的意思要比一個(gè)單獨(dú)的數(shù)字的意思要深刻。為了能夠準(zhǔn)確地理解并恰當(dāng)?shù)姆g中英習(xí)語中的數(shù)字習(xí)語，需要對(duì)原語言和目的語言的背景做充分的了解。 本文通過對(duì)中英數(shù)字習(xí)語的來源以及它們四種翻譯技巧的研究，讓人們更準(zhǔn)確地翻譯中英數(shù)字習(xí)語，

9、從而使中英兩國人民能有更好的理解及交流。關(guān)鍵詞：習(xí)語 數(shù)字 翻譯Table of ContentsAcknowledgements iAbstract in EnglishiiAbstract in Chineseiii1 Introduction11.1 Definition of Chinese and English idioms11.2 The origin of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers 1.2.1 From history perspective.1.2.2 From custom perspective2 Chin

10、ese and English idioms related to numbers.2.1 Chinese and English idioms related to numbers2.2 Comparison of Chinese and English idioms related tonumbers.2.3 Connotations of Chinese and English idioms related tonumbers3 Strategies for the translations of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers

11、93.1 Literal Translation 3.2 Free Translation 3.3 Replacement of numerals 3.4 Accession or omission of numerals4 Some problems existing in the translations of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers and their solutions 4.1 Similar Counterpart in the Target Language with Different Use in Contex

12、t4.2 Hard to Maintain National Flavor of Numerical Idioms5 ConclusionsReferences22Chinese and English Idioms Related to Number and Their Translations1 Introduction This thesis consists of four parts. First, it studies the concept of idioms, and also the main origin and understandings of Chinese and

13、English idioms related to numbers. Second, it gives the comparison and contrast of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers and their cultural connotations. The third part is the body of the thesis. It lists some practical examples and analyzes the specific translating skills. Finally it demons

14、trates some difficulties and problems in the translation of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers and their solutions. . 1.1 Definition of Chinese and English idioms1.1.1Definition of Chinese and English idiomsMany definitions of idioms are given in different dictionaries. It is found t

15、hat the definition from Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary(Tenth Edition)is more reasonable and authoritative, which goes like this: Idiom is” an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either grammatically or in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined

16、 meanings of its elements.”From this definition, some characteristic of idioms can be summarized: One is that an expression can refer to either a phrase or a sentence. The next is that the expression used in a language must be peculiar to itself either in grammar or in meaning. And the last one is t

17、hat its meaning is not clear from the meaning of its individual words and must be learnt as a whole unit.The typical idioms are“胸有成竹”and “spill the beans”, which cannot be understood from the individual words.1.1.2 Definition of idioms related to numbersOn the basis of the above definition of idiom,

18、 numerical idiom in this study is defined as the idiom containing numbers. For instance,耳目一新,二龍戲珠,三顧茅廬,四通八達(dá),五谷豐登,六親不認(rèn),one by one, in two twos, three cheers, give somebody five, at sixes and sevens, have nine lives and ten to one.1.2 The origins of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers1.2.1 F

19、rom history perspectiveThe different historical backgrounds of the English and Chinese peoples have provided rich and varied materials for their numerical idioms, and consequently give a national color to the numerical idioms in the two languages.Chinese numerical idiomsIn the following idioms it is

20、 evident that the historical events contribute much to their distinctive national features.1)三個(gè)臭皮匠，頂個(gè)諸葛亮(Three cobblers with their wits combined equal Zhu geliang the master mind-the wisdom of the masses exceeds that of the wisest individual)In the Period of Three Kingdoms, ZhuGe liang was Prime Min

21、ister of Shu and very talented statesman and then became the symbol of wisdom.2)三顧茅廬(to call on somebody three times to show ones sincerity)This idiom comes from “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” Liu Bei made three personal calls at the thatched cottage where Zhuge Liang was living to solicit his hel

22、p to conquer the country and it was during the last call that Zhuge Liang promised to help him.English numerical idiomsCompared with Chinese historical events, English-speaking countries have their own history, which has much to do with English numerical idioms. The following are some examples regar

23、ding their own distinctive history:1) Rome was not built in one day(it takes time, patience, and hard work to do a difficult or important job).2) Six of one and half a dozen of the otherThe first English numerical idiom was created in the Period of Roman Conquest, while the second one was produced a

24、fter Denmark Conquered England.1.2.2 From custom perspectiveChina and English-speaking countries have their own social customs, which are very crucial to the form of numerical idioms in these two countries.Chinese numerical idioms1)三媒六證(through three negotiators and the sending of the six kinds of b

25、ridal gifts-marriage according to all the traditional rules)2)三從四德(The Three Obediences, to father before marriage, to husband after marriage, and to son when widowed, and the Four Virtues, morality, proper speech, modest manner and diligent work-spiritual fetters imposed on women in feudal society)

26、In the above examples, the first two are about the social customs of China,.English numerical idiomsa nine days wonder(a person or event that attracts a lot of notice and is the subject of much talk for a short time but is soon forgotten) This idiom comes out of the custom of the ancient Rome. Roman

27、 regarded the abnormal phenomenon in the nature as the bad omen. As a consequence, in order to prevent misfortune, the Roman Catholic Church would hold a nine-day religious ritual to pray for good luck, which was also known as “novena”. But no one would talk about it after the ending of the nine-day

28、 praying.From the example above, it can be seen that it is closely related to the social customs.2 Chinese and English idioms related to numbers2.1 Comparison of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers2.1.1Similarities of English and Chinese Numerical Idioms As to the contain slang, range of E

29、nglish and Chinese numerical idioms, both of these two languages proverbs2.1.1.1RangeSlang Slang is a colorful, alternative vocabulary. It bristles with humor, vituperation. So in everyday use, it is necessary for the learner to master a certain amount of slang, including some slang with numbers. In

30、 Chinese, slang is not as popular as in English, the number of which is only a few, for example: (1) four-letter man一a slow-witted man(2) ten o'clock scholar一a floppy student(3)二百五住一a bold or stupid fellowProverbs Human experiences and observations of the world are in many respects similar. In s

31、pite of the dissimilar cultural backgrounds of the Chinese and the English-speaking peoples, the number used in proverbs with numbers in the two languages is surprisingly approximate. Consider the following: (4)百聞不如一見一Seeing is Believing.(5)一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井繩一 Once bitten by a snake, one shies at coiled ro

32、pe for ten years; he that has been bitten by a serpent is afraid of rope.2.1.2Differences2.1.2.2 Cultural differencesThis part explores the cultural differences including the following 6 aspects: religious beliefs, aesthetic perceptions, historical events, classical works, mythologies, and social cu

33、stoms and living conditions.Different religious beliefsReligion plays a very important role in both Chinese and English numerical idioms.Most experts agree that religion has endeavored to explain those notions about life that could not be understood. According to Nanda(1994),religion” deals with the

34、 nature of life and death, the creation of the universe, the origin of society and groups within the society, the relationship of individuals and groups to one another, and the relation of humankind to nature”. Therefore, the differences between Chinese and English numerical idioms can be traced bac

35、k to the religion.Chinese numerical idiomsFrom ancient to present. Secondly, a large number of Chinese numerical idioms can be traced back to Buddhism. It has been a part of Chinese culture and exerted enormous influence on Chinese traditional culture and present life as well. The following are a fe

36、w Chinese numerical idioms concerning religion:The idiom“道高一尺,魔高一丈”is originally the warning in Buddhism to warn Buddhist disciples against the outside temptations, which reminds the disciples of the tough prospect to overcome all the difficulties both inside and outside in order to make slightest a

37、chievement. Now it is used to tell there is always at least one power stronger than the other.English numerical idiomsIn the English-speaking countries, many people believe in Christianity and regard the Bible as one of the most important classics in their life. The Bible is comprehensive of nearly

38、all the matters in life so that it acts as not only a classic in religion but also an important supporter of British culture, or even of western culture. Therefore, the Bible has contributed greatly to English numerical idioms.The following are some typical examples:1) Three in one (the trinity)2) T

39、hree cheers (an expression of approval, cheering by a crowd to salute sb/sth with three times)2.2 Connotations of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers2.2.1 The connotative meanings of numeral 1 In English and Chinese Numeral 1 is the simplest and the most complicated one. No matter in Easte

40、rn culture or in Western culture, numeral 1 represents the meaning of “beginning”,“integrity” and “self”. In Chinese traditional culture, the connotations of numeral 1 are mentioned in many famous works. Laotzi(老子),a Chinese philosopher of late Spring and Autumn period and the founder of Taoism, sai

41、d:“道生一，一生二，二生三，三生萬物”(Tao produced one, one produced two, two produced three, three produced everything)in his work Tao Teh Ching(道德經(jīng)).Thus numeral 1 can be used for marking the beginning, the founder and the origin of all things; besides,“一”in the works can be explained as “self” or “self-consciousn

42、ess”. Under the influence of this notion, today we are used to calling “I” the first person;” you” the second person ;“he/she” the third person. The meaning of “integrity” can be caught in a famous thought presented by Zhuangzi(莊子),a Taoist philosopher in the Warring States period,“天人合一”（harmonious

43、union of Man with Nature）,in which the numeral means “integrity”. As a result of the numerals special place in Chinese culture, Chinese people have a special feeling to numeral 1.It is the feeling that drives people unconsciously to pursue integrity and consummation for everything.2.2.2 The connotat

44、ive meanings of numeral 10 in English and ChineseNumeral 10 is a full, perfect and auspicious number in Chinese peoples mind.The same is true with English culture. Numeral 10 embodies “complete integrityand “consummation”. Chinese people like to use the following expressions with numeral 10:“十全十美”,“

45、十拿九穩(wěn)”,“十分”,“十足”,etc. There are relevant English expressions, for example,“the upper ten”,(社會(huì)精英)“ten-minute man”(能掙錢的人),and so on.In China, there are lots of explanations about the nature of numeral 10.Forexample, Han Shu (漢書)says“The numeral starts with one, ends with ten.”(“數(shù)始于一,終于十”).In addition,

46、the meaning of numeral 10 derives from its form of written character“十”.One part“一”means“the east and the west”;while the other part“”refers to“the south and the north. So the character“十”includes all the directions. It is clear that numeral 10 contains the meaning of “completion and perfection, and

47、 peak, etc.In English numeral 10 is the symbol of perfection and completion. In the prayer of the Pythagoreans addressed to the tetraktys, hey described numeral 10 as “the mother of all, the all-comprising, the all-bounding, the first-born, the never-swerving, the never-tiring holy ten, the key hold

48、er of all”(Tobias Dantzig,1947).Furthermore, according to Pythagoreans, the numeral is the sum of the first four numerals:1,2,3,4; and it is a return to numeral 1 from the other nine numerals as well(1+0=1).If everything starts with it, they must end with it.(陳衛(wèi)國等,2006)3 Strategies for the translati

49、ons of Chinese and English idioms related to numbers 3.1 Literal TranslationLiteral translation, also known in everyday usage as direct translation, denotes the rendering of text from one language to another "word-for-word" (Latin: "verbum pro verbo") rather than conveying the se

50、nse of the original. However, in translation studies, literal translation denotes technical translation of scientific, technical, technological or legal texts.1 Another term for literal translation, in translation theory, is metaphrase; and for prasal ("sense") translation paraphrase.When

51、considered a bad practice of conveying word by word (lexeme to lexeme or morpheme to lexeme) translation of non-technical type literal translations has the meaning of mis-translating idioms 2, for example, or in the context of translating an analytic language to a synthetic language, it renders even

52、 the grammar unintelligibleEnglish and Chinese share a lot in common in their use of numerals, i.e. there are certain numerals used in both languages for more or less the same concepts. In translating numerals of this kind, a translator can well use an equivalent numeral in the target language, e.g.

53、 one (一)，two(二)，three(三)，and nine(九).For instance:A stitch in time saves nine.一針及時(shí)省九針。A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.雙鳥在林不如一鳥在手。Go fishing for three days and dry the nets for two. 三天打魚兩天曬網(wǎng)The Red Army fears not the trials of the Long. 紅軍不怕遠(yuǎn)征難,萬水千山只等閑。A wonder lasts but nine days.怪異新鮮不出立天。Tw

54、o is company, three is none.三人成伴，二人不歡。When three know it, all know it.二人知，天下曉。He ran down the avenue, making a noise like ten horses at a gallop.(Harvey King)他在林蔭大道上奔跑著，制造的喧鬧如土馬奔騰。 however,十馬奔騰is not seemingly as good as萬馬奔騰，which is a colloquial expression in Chinese. Yet the former is a better cho

55、ice in this case, as it well conveys the rhetorical effect in the original and meanwhile achieves a humorous effect. There are similar cases in C-E translation. Compare the following examples with their translations. 新婚乍別，不免有二旦呈絲之感。這是個(gè)二手電腦，便宜!The PC is inexpensive; I bought it second-hand. both一，三an

56、d one', three' are used with vague meanings and the preservation of original numerals in the translation makes the idea clearly and neatly expressed. Both二as in二手and second' as in second-hand' are used vaguely simply meaning old; not new'. Either expression is vivid, thus there b

57、eing no need to change the numeral in the translation.Our discussion shows that there is one-to-one correspondence between English and Chinese in some cases. In such cases literal translation is a normal strategy to use.3.2 Free Translation Free translation refers to, according to the meaning of the

58、 original, without paying attention to the details and translation would also be fluent and natural. Free translation need not pay attention to the form of the original, including construction of the original sentences, meaning of the original works, metaphor of the original and so on, But free translation does not mean to delete or add content to the original and translators must consider the original carefully, know its stress, translate it naturally, express the meaning of the original. Free translation is a skill which translators must kno