从《红楼梦》熟语的翻译看“异化”的文化传递功能

ON CULTURE-TRANSFERRING FUNCTION OF "FOREIGNIZATION"

各民族语言中都有大量生动形象、约定俗成的表达法(如谚语、格言等)。在翻译这些带有浓厚民族文化色彩的熟语时,译者面临着两种选择:异化和归化。就传达源语所包含的民族文化信息而言,异化具有明显的优势。《红楼梦》有着极其丰富的中华传统文化内涵。杨宪益先生在翻译这部古典名著时大胆采用直译,将作品中的诗歌、格言、比喻、谚语、俗语等加以“异化”处理,充分发挥了其文化传递功能。

Sayings, proverbs and other idiomatic expressions exist in almost every language. In translating these idioms which are loaded with national culture and local colours, a translator is faced with two choices: foreignization or domestication. So far as transferring cultural information is concerned, the former is far more effective. A Dream of Red Mansion is very rich in Chinese traditional culture. In translating this work into English, Mr. Yang Xianyi mainly adopts literal translation, foreignizing Chinese sayings, proverbs and metaphors, thus effectively conveying to the western readers Chinese traditional cultural message.