Abstract

In recent years, China has quickened its steps into the international market. Besides, the cultural exchange between China and foreign countries is increasingly frequent. Under such a background, the translation of dish names, which is closely related to daily life, arouses a wide concern. This paper chiefly applies Skopos Theory in making an analysis of the translation of dish names in A Dream of Red Mansions. Taking Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang. Tayler’s version as an example, specific suitable translation strategies and methods are summarized according to the translation purpose, in order to shed some light on introducing Chinese traditional dietary culture to the world.

Key words: Skopos Theory; A Dream of Red Mansions; translation of dish names

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 The Skopos Theory-1

2.1 Development of the Skopos Theory-2

2.2 Three Rules of the Skopos Theory-2

2.2.1 Skopos Rule-3

2.2.2 Coherence Rule-3

2.2.3 Fidelity Rule-3

3 Differences between Chinese and Western Dietary Culture-4

3.1 Concept of Diet-4

3.2 Cooking Style-5

3.3 Nomenclature-5

4 Features and Classification of Dish Names in A Dream of Red Mansions-5

4.1 Features of Dish Names-5

4.2 Classifications of Dish Names-6

4.2.1 Non-Cultural-Loaded Dish Names-6

4.2.2 Cultural-Loaded Dish Names-6

5 Application of the Skopos Theory to the Translation of Dishes in A Dream of Red Mansions-7

5.1 Purpose in the Translation of Dish Names in A Dream of Red Mansion-7

5.2 Translation Strategies-7

5.2.1 Domestication-7

5.2.2 Foreignization-8

5.3 Translation Methods-9

5.3.1 Literal Translation-9

5.3.2 Free Translation-10

5.3.3 Substitution-11

5.3.4 Amplification-12

6 Conclusion-12

References 14