公示语汉英翻译不可译性的意象分析

Analysis of Untranslatability of Chinese-English Public Sign Translation from the Perspective of Image

随着中国国际地位稳步提升,国内外籍人士日益增多,公示语汉英翻译越发重要,但因意象缺失,公示语翻译并未发挥其应有的作用。通过陈述公示语概念,结合认知语言学的意象理论分析公示语翻译的不可译性,从公共交通、景区、建筑工地、公共卫生、交通安全、公共安全等不同场所公示语翻译中分析了公示语翻译意象缺失的不可译性。指出这些汉语公示语翻译过程中存在意象缺失的问题:由于只译公示语基本义,只实现了提示功能,却无法传递汉语公示语意象。因此,要求译者以体验的方式,感知、翻译源语所蕴含的诗意意象,传播汉语言灿烂文化,让更多的国际友人了解中国、了解中华文化之美。

The importance of Chinese-to-English public sign translation seems more and more significant with the improvement of Chinese international status and the increase of foreigners at home.Its role fails to accomplish due to the loss of image during translation.After stating the connotation of public signs,and combining the theoretical framework of image in Cognitive Linguistics with public sign translation,the paper analyzes the untranslatability of public signs in occasions such as transportation,scenic spots,construction sites,public restrooms,transportation and public security etc,caused by the loss of image during translation.The paper also indicates the matter of lacking images during C-E public sign translation,since the translation of those public signs is of only literal denotation and its informative functions,which fails to convey the images in Chinese public signs.Therefore,translators are required to perceive and translate the poetic images implied in the original texts in an experiential way,promote the Chinese splendid culture communication with more international friends and enable them to deepen their knowledge of China and the beauty of Chinese culture.