The Cultural Function of Translations: On the Original Text and Translated Works of Lao Can You Ji

• Main Authors: Tzu-yi Lee, 李姿儀
• Other Authors: Ken-Fang Lee
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2007
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/43731906687661274777

碩士 === 國立臺灣師範大學 === 翻譯研究所 === 95 === Abstract The thesis aims at discussing the cultural functions of two English translated texts of the book Lao Can You Ji. From the two English versions translated by Harold Shadick and H.Y. Yang & G.M. Taylor, I attempt to analyze difficulties in translation for both Eastern and Western translators and their strategies while dealing with the source text from the prospective of cultural functions. The thesis is divided into five chapters. In addition to introducing background information regarding the source text and its author, the study also discusses the creative literary style in comparison with western literary genre such as satirical and detective novels. Consequently, the cultural function of the source text and its distinctive features will be discussed as published at the turn of the twentieth century. By means of different choices of translation strategies, translated works may result in varied cultural functions. With investigations on samples extracted from translated works, and discussions on translators’ strategies, it is obvious to note that Shadick tended to adopt foreignisation and Yang domestication in target texts. Their decisions determined varied cultural functions of target texts. While Yang’s version focused more on the acceptance of the target culture, Shadick’s version has established the authority of Chinese classics and aimed at introducing Chinese culture. As the cultural function of the source text may not be the same for modern readers, the two translated versions nonetheless created different outlooks for readers to enjoy one of traditional Chinese novels of exposure.