The factors that influence the translator’s

selection of the SLT

The translator’s motivation plays a crucial role in the selection of the original.

The translator’s personal interest and emotion also plays a crucial role in the selection of the OT.

The main idea of 5.3.2.

Obviously, a comprehensive comprehension of the SLT is a very important step in the course of translation, for it creates an organic link, in the translator’s mind, between the original and its translation. Actually, various factors lead to variable interpretations of a written text. Which interpretation the translator will obtain from a given text depends on his personal factors, such as his aesthetic standard, educational background, etc.

Definitions of domestication and foreignization

Domestication: A term used by Venuti (1995) to describe the translation strategy in which a transparent, fluent style is adopted in order to minimize the strangeness of the foreign text for TL readers (Shuttleworth & Cowie, 2004:43-44). Foreignization (foreignizing translation): A term used by Venuti (1995) to designate the type of translation in which a TT is produced which deliberately breaks target conventions by retaining something of the foreignness of the original (ibid., 2004:59).

How does the translator choose his

translation strategy? The translator selects the appropriate translation strategy according to his translation purpose and his cultural attitude. By choosing the strategy of domestication, some translators try to leave the reader in peace, as much as possible, and make effort to move the author towards him (Schleiermather, from Douglas Robinson, 1997:74). Other translators choose the strategy of foreignization, so they try to leave the author in peace, as much as possible, and take pains to move the reader towards him (ibid., 1997:74).

What factors influence the translator’s

selection of language form?

his own language accomplishment

the target readers

his guideline in translation and language preference

The main ideas of 5.3.5

Translation is difficult. When translating words and phrases, the translator should not only pick out the best choice among many candidates, but also employ such translation techniques as conversion of parts of speech, proper addition or deletion, necessary repetition, mutual transformation of affirmative and negative expressions, conversion of voices, etc. Besides, the translator has to consider the overall effect of the SLT and the TLT in the process of translation. To achieve this overall effect, the translator should treat the text as a whole and grasp its style. But, it is to be noted that first and foremost the translator makes effort to render his version as faithful to the original as possible by following the translation principles.

The restrictions of the translator’s exertion

of his subjectivity First of all, the translator is restrained by the original author and the SLT. He or she must be faithful to both of them, which is regarded as their primary responsibility (谭载喜 , 2000:338-339). Secondly, the translator is limited by the age, region and environment in which he lives. Thirdly, the translator is limited by the TLT readers.

Typical examples for analysis

(1) a. The use of bacteriological weapons is a clear violation of the

international law.

(1) b. 使用细菌武器显然违反国际法。(1) c. 细菌武器的使用是对国际法的明显违反。 (刘重德 , 1991:68)

Typical examples for analysis

(2) a. Histories make men wise; poets witty. (Bacon)

(2) b. 读史使人明智，读诗使人灵秀。(王佐良译 )

(2) c. 历史使人明智，诗歌使人灵慧。

Typical examples for analysis

(3) a. Avoid using this computer in extreme cold, heat, dust or humidity.

(3) b. 不要在过冷、过热、灰尘过重、湿度过大的情况下使用此电脑。(3) c.不要在过冷、热、灰尘、湿度的情况下使用此电脑。

Typical examples for analysis

(4) a. John was a fool for danger.

(4) b. 约翰是天不怕地不怕的。(4) c. 约翰对危险是傻子。

Typical examples for analysis

(5) a. Unless something is moved, no work is done

(5) b.除非某种物体移动了，否则就没有功。(5) c. 除非某种东西被移动，否则功不会被完成。

Typical examples for analysis

(6) a. 心较比干多一窍，病如西子胜三分。(6) b. She looked more sensitive than Pikan, more delicate than Xi Shih.Notes: Pikan, a prince noted for his great intelligence at the end of Shang Dynasty; Xi Shih, a famous beauty of the ancient kingdom of Yueh. (6) c. She had more chambers in her heart than the martyred Bi Gan; and suffered a tithe more pain in it than the beautiful Xi Shi.