Analysis of cultural differences in translation
Paper keywords: cultural differences, cultural awareness, translation impact
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Thesis abstract: Translation is a cross-language communication activity, and it is also a cross-cultural communication activity. In other words, translation as interlingual communication is not only a process of language conversion, but also a process of cultural transplantation. Different cultural backgrounds and cultural traditions have caused considerable cultural differences between China and the West in terms of value standards, aesthetic orientations, codes of conduct, and lifestyles. Therefore, cultural differences have an important impact on translation.
Translation involves not only two languages, but also two cultures. Due to different geographical locations, ethnic origins, natural environments, etc., different countries and nationalities have formed different cultural traditions and have their own unique historical and cultural backgrounds, customs, and values. Language is the carrier of culture and an important means of cultural expression and dissemination. Therefore, each language inevitably carries the accumulation and confirmation of a certain national culture, and translation has become an inevitable cultural activity. Due to the close relationship between language and culture, language is influenced and restricted by culture. In the process of understanding and expression, translators always consciously or unconsciously make cultural comparisons, so translators must have strong Cultural awareness. The so-called cultural awareness means that translators must realize that translation is both a cross-language and a cross-cultural exchange of information, and cultural differences, like language differences, may become obstacles to communication. The following will elaborate on the impact of cultural differences on translation in several aspects.
1. The impact of value standards on translation
Among many cultural factors, values ??are one of the core contents. It is durable, stable, and generally accepted by members of society. As a deep factor in the composition of culture, it is not only an integral part of social culture, but also the result of long-term penetration and accumulation of social and cultural factors in people's hearts. It has a lasting impact on people's attitudes, needs and behavior.
Dogs are one of the most beloved animals in Western people's values. They are loyal companions and extremely loving. Therefore, words with "dog" in English mostly have a positive meaning, such as: lucky dog ??(lucky one), gay dog ??(happy person), bull dog (tough guy), running-ning dog (obedient family dog), etc. However, in the eyes of the Chinese, dogs are suspected of bullying others and acting on behalf of tigers. Therefore, the use of dogs to describe people in Chinese often has a derogatory connotation, such as: "dog relies on human power", "running dog", "dog-legged person", "human hawk dog", etc.
Another example is that in China, when people go to a friend's house for dinner, the host and hostess often say before the meal: "The food is not good, please forgive me." ?For the Chinese, it is extremely natural and appropriate for a host to say this to a guest, which means "humility, hospitality, please feel free to do so." If this sentence is literally translated as: These dishes are not good, please made do with them. The response to people who do not understand Chinese culture may be: Why don't you treat guests with good dishes? British and American people are just the opposite, they treat people When eating, you will definitely say how delicious this dish is and how delicious that dish is. Even if you are not very sure about the dishes you cook, at least you will not say that the food is not good. Therefore, the original sentence is modified and translated into: These are the best dishes we can supply. Please feel at home and help yourself. This is an example of the sharp contrast between the humility advocated by Chinese culture and the honesty and self-confidence advocated by Western culture.