Abstract

This thesis is a study on cultural gaps and untranslatability. Due to development of economic globalization, there is a growing number of communications between China and other countries. However, we always find that all the countries have their own unique culture when we communicate with others. Because of the linguistic and cultural gaps, it is unavoidable for translators to run into the problem of untranslatability. Meanwhile, they increase difficulties of communication and hinder people from understanding the inherent meaning of other countries’ culture. This essay aims at discussing reasons of cultural gaps and some methods. 

Key words: culture, cultural gaps, untranslatability

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction . 1

2. Reasons about Cultural Gaps. 3

2.1 Historical culture .3

  2.2 Religious culture 3

2.3 Regional culture  4

  2.4 Culture vacancy. 4

3. Untranslatability . 5

  3.1 Definition of untranslatability  5

3.2 Linguistic untranslatability  . 5

3.3 Culture untranslatability 6

4. Methods. 7

4.1 Literal translation 7

4.2 Free translation 8

4.3 Other methods 9

4.4 Comprehensive usage. 10

4.5 Some wrong translation methods 10

4.5.1 Formalism of translation 10

4.5.2 Liberal disorderly translation11

5. Translation Style.11

6. Conclusion . 12

Works Cited  13