略论汉语比喻的英译

On the Chinese-to-English Translation of Similes and Metaphors

汉语比喻的英译 ,应以译文的“地道性”和能被以英语为母语的人顺畅地理解为主要标准 ,应遵循的原则包括 :(一 )汉英两种语言共有的比喻 ,一般可套用英语中对应的表达式 ,但须顺应上下文和风格的需要 ;(二 )汉语与英语近似的比喻 ,应采用英语的说法 ,最好不做字对字硬译 ;(三 )汉语中有而英语中无的比喻 ,要灵活处理 ,一般应以符合英语的表达习惯为前提 ,比如可取其本义而不用比喻。

In the Chinese-to-English translation of similes and metaphors, achieving'idiomaticity'and'comprehensibility'of the target language should be given priority. The guiding principles include: (1) With similes and metaphors common to both languages, those in Chinese could be put into English readily if it is allowed by textual or stylistic considerations; (2) With similes and metaphors that are partially equivalent in form, the English version is preferable to a word-for-word translation; (3) With similes and metaphors that are unique to Chinese, they should be handled in a flexible and creative way. For instance, the simile or metaphor could be left out if the original meaning is preserved.