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Strategies for Translating Culture-Specific Items from Chinese into English

Author

Listed:
  • Yunchao Zuo
  • Syed Nurulakla Syed Abdullah
  • Florence Haw Ching Toh

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the translation strategies adopted by the translator in translating the Chinese novel Big Breast and Wide Hips into English, as well as the factors influencing the translator’s choice of translation strategies, by using the descriptive research method and culture-specific items (hereafter referred to as CSI). Eight translation strategies are examined in the data analysis- 1) substitution; 2) transliteration; 3) free translation; 4) literal translation; 5) omission; 6) literal translation plus amplified translation; 7) literal translation plus explanation; 8) free translation plus substitution. The findings of the study show that the type of CSI influences the choice of translation strategy. Furthermore, the results suggest that translation strategies should not be developed on the basis of subjective assumptions or hasty generalisations about the expectation of the audience. Rather, they should be based on the specific situation of the culture-specific items.

Suggested Citation

  • Yunchao Zuo & Syed Nurulakla Syed Abdullah & Florence Haw Ching Toh, 2023. "Strategies for Translating Culture-Specific Items from Chinese into English," World Journal of English Language, Sciedu Press, vol. 13(7), pages 1-27, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:jfr:wjel11:v:13:y:2023:i:7:p:27
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kate Benedicta Amenador & Zhiwei Wang, 2022. "The Translation of Culture-Specific Items (CSIs) in Chinese-English Food Menu Corpus: A Study of Strategies and Factors," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(2), pages 21582440221, May.
    2. Shiyue Chen & Nor Shahila Mansor & Chin Mooisan & Muhammad Alif Redzuan Abdullah, 2023. "Exploring Cultural Representation through Tourism-Related Cultural Words Translation on Hangzhou Tourism Website," World Journal of English Language, Sciedu Press, vol. 13(2), pages 168-168, March.
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    1. Kate Benedicta Amenador & Zhiwei Wang, 2023. "The Image of China as a Destination for Tourist: Translation Strategies of Culture-Specific Items in the Chinese-English Food Menus," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(3), pages 21582440231, September.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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