Abstract
Proverb is a short pithy saying that widespread and frequently used, is a treasure of literature. It comes from people’s daily life and expresses a basic truth or practical precept. It is linked with cultural background and they can’t be separated. But, the cultural background of proverb causes the difficulty of translation of proverb. When we translate it, we should know that it is not only the change of languages, but also a shift in cultural information.
To solve this problem, proper methods should be used in order to make the translation vivid. Therefore, I list four methods, namely, literal translation, free translation, the combination of literal and free translation, and the interpretive translation. Literal translation keeps the original message and form, but it is a word-for-word translation method. Some proverbs should not be translated literally, so translators should use free translation method. Some Chinese proverbs have complicated historical and cultural backgrounds, translators should use combination of literal and free translation method. In order to make the readers have a better understanding of the real meaning of the proverbs, translators should use the interpretive translation method.
Keywords Proverb translation, cultural background, translation skills
Contents
1 What is proverb?……………………………………………..…………...……….1
2 Categories of Chinese Proverbs…………..……………………………………….1
2.1 From Production Experiences…………………….………………..……….…..1
2.2 From Life Experiences…………………….……………………….……….…..1
2.3 From Masterpieces and Mottos……………………….…………………….…..1
2.4 To Convey the Truth…………………….………………………………….…..2
3 Problems and Advises on English Translation of Chinese Proverbs…….……..2
3.1 Limitation of Proverb Translation…………………….…………………….…..2
3.2 Causes of Limitation of Proverb Translation……………………………..…….2
3.3 Advises on English Translation of Chinese Proverbs…………………….…….2
3.3.1 Anglicizing………………………………………………………….……...2
3.3.2 Maintain Chinese Characteristics………………………………………….3
3.3.3 Not Too Literally…………………………….…………………..…….…..3
4 Practicability of Proverb Translation……………………………………...……..3
4.1 Literal Translation…………………………………………………………....…3
4.2 Free Translation…………………………………………………………,…..…4
4.3 Combination of Literal and Free Translation…………………………..……….4
4.4 The Interpretive Method……………………………...……………..………….5
5 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………….5
Reference……………………...……………………………………..……………….6
