The Cultural Connotations and
Translation of Numbers
Abstract: Number is an important component in language study and it is closely correlated to human life. It is necessary for human beings to communicate, interact and transmit their culture in the course of understanding and influencing the world. In different cultural backgrounds, numbers are endowed with different cultural meanings. So, the different language culture of Chinese and English accomplishes different culture meanings with numbers. In this thesis, I will focus on numbers emphasize their cultural connotations in Chinese and English from religions, social customs and national psychology. Principles of translation and four methods of translation about numbers are introduced, such as literal translation, free translation, explanatory translation, and creative translation.It is good for promoting the communication between Chinese and English culture.
Key Words: numbers; cultural connotations; translation
数字的文化涵义及其翻译
摘 要：数字是语言的一个有机组成部分，与人类的生活密切相关，它在人类认识世界，改造世界，和记录文化中是不可缺少的。不同的文化背景赋予数字不同的文化内涵。因此，英汉两种语言文化的差异造就了英汉数字的不同文化内涵。本文就英汉两种语言中数字的含义与各自的宗教、社会习俗和民族心理的关系，探讨关于翻译数字的原则与方法，包括直译，意译，解释性翻译，创造性翻译，以便更好的促进英汉文化的交流。
关键词：数字; 文化涵义; 翻译
CONTENTS
Introduction……………………………………………………………1
1. The Relationship between Numbers and Religion………………1
1.1 The Relationship between Numbers and Religion in China…………………2
1.2 The Relationship between Numbers and Religion in the West …………… 2
2. Numbers and Social Customs and National Psychology……… 4
2.1 Numbers and Social Customs and National Psychology in China…………4
2.2 Numbers and Social Customs and National Psychology in the West………6
3. E-C/C-E Translation of Numbers……………………………… 7
3.1 Principles of Translation…………………………………………………… 8
3.1.1 The Principle of Adaptation to the Target Language………………… 8
3.1.2 The Principle of Achieving Idiomaticity………………………………9
3.1.3 The Principle of Achieving Vividness…………………………………9
3.2 Methods of Translation……………………………………………………10
3.2.1 Literal Translation……………………………………………………10
3.2.2 Free Translation………………………………………………………11
3.2.3 Explanatory Translation……………………………………………… 12
3.2.4 Creative Translation……………………………………………………13
4. Conclusion……………………………………………………… 14
Bibliography……………………………………………………… 16
Introduction
