解构还是重塑:对韦努蒂翻译理论的再思考

Deconstruction or Reconstruction:Reflection on Venuti's Translation Theory

劳伦斯·韦努蒂异化翻译理论的默认语境是以英语为目标语,以其他相对弱势的语言为源语,因此存在着单向性的缺陷。本文从韦努蒂理论的这一默认语境及其单向性出发,通过重点分析韦努蒂所提倡的异化翻译在英美文化语境下对西方普世主义思潮的反拨,对英美文化重塑自我认同的促进,以及在其"翻译伦理"背后掩藏的"本土文化利益至上主义"倾向,揭示其理论真实的"文化政治议程"——即通过异化翻译在英美文化中移入其他文化的特质,从而为英美社会和民众找寻一种重塑自我认同的全新模式,并期待通过各类异化翻译作品来影响社会意义和文化意义的改良。本文认为,韦努蒂的理论归根结底落实在英美文化中,其对于英美文化的意义远大于对其他文化的意义;与其说是对英美文化霸权地位的一种解构,不如说是对英美文化自我认同的一种重塑。

Venuti＇s proposition of foreignizing translation is based on the default context that English is TL （target language） while other relatively disadvantaged languages are SLs （source languages）. From this default context and its resultant unilateralism, the analysis has evolved. This paper elaborates the resistant effect of foreignizing translation upon west- ern universalism, elucidates the stimulative effort of it upon the reconstruction of Anglo- American cultural identification, and discloses the hidden tendency of ＂local interests max- imization＂ behind the ＂translation ethics＂ he suggested. Thereby this paper exposes that Venuti＇s genuine cultural political agenda is~, via foreignizing translation, introducing the characteristics of other cultures into Anglo-American culture to find a new model of self- identification, and expecting the social and cultural melioration in Anglo-American con- text. Actually, Venuti＇s theory is more conducive to Anglo-American culture than other cultures. His translation theory may be more a reconstruction of Anglo-American cultural identification than a deconstruction of Anglo-American cultural hegemony.