CulturalDifferencesandtheStrategiesofEnglishProverbsTranslation英谚汉译的对策与文化差异

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1、英谚汉译的对策与文化差异Cultural Differences and the Strategies of English Proverbs Translation摘要：英语谚语是民间广为流传的一种较为定型的语句，它语言精练，意蕴隽永，形象生动，妙趣横生；便于记忆流传，并反映英国的文化特征和价值观念。通过了解英语谚语，读者能够获得大量的英国文化中有趣的信息，翻译家在翻译英语谚语是面临着保留原谚语特点、形象和民族风格的难题。英语谚语源远流长，它既有来自民间的谚语，又有来自圣经的，来自莎士比亚作品和许多智者的作品与语言的，还有很多外来谚语。当然博大精深的汉语中汉谚也有许多的来源。在英语谚语汉译时

2、，怎样处理好由于地理环境，宗教，文化传统和思维方式不同而引起的文化差异成为了翻译的一大难题。而在具体的翻译过程中，应该注意的问题与应该采用哪种翻译策略来处理也是很关键的问题。在用到的四点策略中，三种与直译有关，这表明在英谚汉译时，直译是英语谚语汉译是最主要的原则与策略。它是保持原谚语英语谚语的目的意义、文化形象、修辞的最好办法，它能最大程度达到文化交流与学习英语的目的关键词：英语谚语、文化差异、翻译原则与策略、直译Abstract: As a particular part of language, proverbs are concrete fragment of wisdom, resul

3、ts of observation and embodiments of universal truths. They are pithy, comprehensive and full of figures of speech and serve as a mirror of the cultural conceptions of a social community. Readers can enrich themselves with plentiful interesting information of English culture by familiarizing themsel

4、ves with English proverbs. When English proverbs are being translated, translators are confronted with difficulties of retaining the characteristics as well as the images and national flavor of English in translation. English proverbs have a long history which derived from various resources, among t

5、hem, some are from the crowds,some are from the Bible, some are from famous wits and many foreign language.And of course,Chinese proverbs also have many origins,so, translating the English proverb to Chinese,we are confronting the problem of the cultural differences.How to avoid the factors and choo

6、se a proper strategy to receive a faithful and elegant version. The four strategies used,three are related to literal translation which is the best way to keep the senses, figure of speech as well as images of English proverbs and to acquire the highest degree of cultural exchange. Large number of e

7、xamples used mainly excerpted from the publications mentioned in the bibliography and their different versions are also presented.Key Word: English Proverb, Cultural Differences, Principles and Strategies, Literal TranslationIntroduction Language is a part of culture and plays a very important role

8、in it. Meanwhile, Language is also a cultural carrier and container and serves as the principal means to cross-cultural communication. As a particular part o language, proverbs are no exception indicating the distinctive features of a culture.Proverbs are small pieces of folk wisdom, often involving

9、 old images and frequently jingles that catch the memory which have been handed down from generation to generation, They express ideas in short and recognizable sentences, What might have taken an entire paragraph to explain is expressed metaphorically in these pithy English proverbs, which contain

10、in a nutshell the philosophy of the common people. English proverbs also embody a concentrated reflection of various rhetorical means and serve as a mirror of the historical and cultural conceptions of their social communities. As Francis Bacon, famous English Philosopher, said,” The genius, wit and

11、 spirit of a nation are discovered in its proverbs.” Nowadays, the factor of cultural differences turns to the heat and hard part of English proverbs translation. Translators all over the world have made a great deal of achievements on the cultural differences and principles of translating the Engli

12、sh proverbs. Coming from various sources, English proverbs give information about their culture on many social subjects, So, it is necessary to find the cultural difference between English and Chinese and to find a proper way to translate them. Translation is becoming increasingly important as a med

13、ium of cross-cultural communication. A faithful translation of English proverbs will attract the Chinese readers not only for its vivid and expressive language, but also for much interesting cultural information. So the purpose of English proverb translation is not only to absorb and introduce their

14、 expressions, but also to enrich the Chinese readers with the culture of English and learn their basic philosophy of life or world view. For this purpose, translators should adopt literal translation as a principal medium to keep the sense and flavor of the original and acquire the highest degree of

15、 cultural exchange.In order to meet the purpose of English proverb translation and introducer the faithful translation to Chinese readers, a lot of examples are used and the majority of the examples and their translations used are taken from the publications, which are mentioned in the bibliography,

16、 for these examples are of much help to analyze the proverbs and their translation.1.The definition, Origins and Features of English Proverb In order to translating English proverbs, we should learn their definitions, origins and features. In this section, the author gives specific definitions from

17、different sources, four origins and two fundamental features of English proverbs.1.1Definition of proverb Whats a proverb? An English proverb tells us:“Proverbs are daughter of daily experience.” Websters New World dictionary defines it as a short saying in common use that strikingly expresses some

18、obvious truth or familiar experience. 1 And the Longman Modern English Dictionary gives this definition,“A proverb is a brief familiar maxim of folk wisdom, usually compressed in form, often involving a bold image and frequently a jingle that catches the memory.”2Another definition is offered by the

19、 Chinese辞海（A collection of Words）“谚语是流传于民间的简炼通俗而富于意义的语句，大多反映人民生活和斗争的经济眼。”3（A proverb is a short, popular saying pregnant with profound meaning among the people, most of which reflect the experiences in the struggle of life,.）From the above mentioned definitions, we can sum up three characteristics p

20、ossessed by proverb in common.1). Short and brief.2). Vivid and forcible.3). Pregnant with profound meaning. So, proverbs are short saying of folk wisdomof well-known facts or truthsexpressed succinctly and in a way that makes them easy to remember. These facts and truths often expound the profound

21、truths from the simple matters in daily life. They sum up daily experience of people and tell people how to conduct themselves in society. Bearing some similarities to other nations proverbs, English proverbs are widely loved and used by people and regarded as the cream of the English language and g

22、orgeous treasure of English cultural treasure-house. They deserve to be called the nations spiritual values and cultural heritage. 1.2 Origins of English Proverbs Proverbs are the integral part of a language that represents the unique characteristics and cultural features of a nation. Derived from d

23、ifferent sources, English proverbs are heavily culture-loaded. Four Important sources of English proverbs prove further that English proverbs actually serve as a mirror of their cultural conceptions of social communities and represent panoramic pictures of culture. 1.2.1 English proverbs came from D

24、aily Activities An English proverb tells us：“Proverbs are daughter of daily experience.”many English proverbs are derived of their daily life and experience. Britain is an island country which has a ling history of navigation, and therefore a great number of English proverbs. And also their peasants

25、 are from their hunting experience. Some proverbs often come from the cooks and house-wives. 4(1) Still water run deep It implies that a placid exterior hides a passionate nature. Its literal translation“静水流深”can also tell such a philosophy to the readers. 5(2) Make hay while the sun shines This pro

26、verb actually indicates that one should profit from or take advantage of something while he has the chance. Its literal translation and an adding of an explanation will produce a best version“太阳好时快晒草，时机来是莫停留”to the Chinese readers. 5（3）An empty hand is not lure for a hawk From“空手引不来老鹰”，the Chinese r

27、eaders may easily known the implied meaning o this proverb that one must not expect to receive anything without giving a return. 5(4)You cant make an omelet without breaking eggs. It implied that you cannot achieve anything without sacrificing something .Its literal translation“鸡蛋不打破，蛋卷做不成”meaning a

28、nd original flavor. 5Daily activities of people and the experience derived from them are inexhaustible resources that provide abundant language materials for the constitution of English proverbs1.2.2 English Proverbs Came from the Bible The Bible is one of the most extensively read books and the mos

29、t influential religious classic work in the west including English-speaking countries. It is also regarded as a wonderful literary work. Although it was originally written in Hebrew, English speakers have had English versions for almost 1000years. And the proverbial sayings in it have become a major

30、 component of the popular wisdom. So, many English proverbs in common use can be traced back to the Bible. 4（5）The spirit is willing ,but the fresh is weakOnes strength falls short of one will.心有余而力不足。.（6）A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. If there are two things to be chosen: a g

31、ood name and great riches, it is better to choose the former rather than the latter. 宁要美名，不要巨富。（7）The love of money is the root of all evil. The desire to have riches is the causes of all crimes and evil situation. 贪财乃万恶之源。（8）A soft answer turneth away wrath.Speak gently to a person who is very angr

32、y with you and then his anger will be turned away from you, or come to an end. 婉言可以释怒。1.2.3 English Proverbs came from some Famous wits. After the Bible, Shakespeares plays are, as we might expect, the richest literary sources of English proverbs. Also, many famous wits, English poets and other wits

33、 passed their wit and wisdom into the thought of common people. 4All that glisters is not gold. 闪闪发光的不全是黄金。6Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow. 欲速则不达。Alls well that ends well.皆大欢喜。Care killed the cat. 忧虑伤人。The course of true love never did run smooth. 爱情道路多崎岖。Every wise man dreadeth his enemy. 聪

34、明人不吃眼前亏。Knowledge is power.知识就是力量。The childhood shows the man.从小看大，三岁看老。 The above examples are so popular that we can use them often without definite consciousness of their origins. They have, as Dr. Henry Bradley puts it, “Enter into the texture of the diction of literature and daily conversation,

35、” and may now “fairy be regarded as proverbs of the English Language.”1.2.4English Proverb Taken over from Foreign Language English owes many of its useful proverbs to importation from foreign tongues, among which French, Latin and Greek are three main sources. 4(9)Time flies This proverb is from La

36、tin and it vividly shows that time passed more quickly than one takes note of .it can be translated into “时光易逝” 5(10)Better later than never This proverb comes from French and it tells us that it is better to do something late than not do it at all. “迟做做比不做好”is the same with the original in meaning.

37、 5Tough cultural exchange between Eastern and Western worlds, some of the eastern proverbs have been absorbed into English and become part of English proverbs, these proverbs have pronounced local color and distinctive national flavor.(11)Only an elephant can carry an elephants load This is an India

38、n proverb which shows that only a great man can do his own great work and others are not competent on that job. so, “巨象才能托重物”carries the meaning and keeps the image of the original proverbs in a best way. 5(12) The frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean Coming from Japan, this proverb ind

39、icates that Japanese peasants have a narrow horizon. So, its literal translation “井底之蛙不只大海的浩瀚”is faithful to the original one in sense as well as in image. 5 Since English borrowed some of the Chinese proverbs and put them into its own proverb reservoir without changing the meaning and cultural imag

40、es, the English proverbs, so to speak, have the same origin with the Chinese ones.(13)Every river has its source and every tree its roots.Chinese proverb:水有源，树有根。(14)One kind word will keep you warm for three winters.Chinese proverb:好话一句暖三冬 (15)A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step

41、.Chinese proverb:千里之行，始于足下1.3The Fundamental Features of English Proverb English are noted for their wealth of proverbs, they form an essential part of the general vocabulary of the language. They have their own peculiar features. According to the definition of proverb, they at least possess two fun

42、damental features:1.3.1 Structural Stability 7 Many English proverbs are characterized by structural invariability. Their form is often fixed. The words in the proverb cannot, as a rule, be deleted, added to, replaced by synonymous words, or meaning.(16) A stitch in time saves nineIn this proverb, i

43、ts impossible to say “A stitch in time saves ten” or “a stitch on time saves nine” which is a unity to create the meaning “Correct the small details of a thing in time can keep the whole thing.” 7(17) Good hand, good hireIn this proverb, we cannot change it into “Good worker, good hire” Or good hand

44、, good pa.” Its the whole form to form the meaning of “a skillful man will get a higher pay.” 71.3.2Semantic Unity 7English proverbs are mainly characterized by its semantic unity. By semantic unity we mean a proverb functions as a unit of meaning, and must be learned as a whole. That is, the meanin

45、g of the proverb cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of its member words.(18) A feather in somebodys capThis proverb is not at all connected with feather or cap. It means an honor, success, of which one can be proud. As in “It was a feather in his cap for the new teacher when he was made head

46、 of the History Department.” (19)Industry is fortunes right hand, and frugality her left.This proverb is not connected with hands at all. It means fortune depends in hard work and wise management of ones money. If one wants to succeed, one must be both industrious and thrifty.2. Cultural Differences

47、 in Translation of English Proverbs As we discussed, English proverbs have four important sources: Daily activities and experience, the Bible, Well-known wits and foreign language. Of course, Chinese proverbs also have its own special sources. So, when we translate the English proverb into Chinese,

48、we cannot avoid the trouble of dealing with the cultural differences between the two languages.2.1Cultural differences in Living conditions and Human Experience Living environment and human experience hold an enormously broad impact on the coinage of proverbs. Britain is an island country which has

49、a long history of navigation, and therefore a great number of English proverbs are derived from the sea, They were originally employed by sailor to refer to nautical activities and some hunters from their hunting activities, On the other hand, China since time immemorial, has been a large country ch

50、iefly based on agriculture, so that there are a large number of proverbs from agricultural activities. 8(20)All is fish that comes to ones net.This proverb is translated to Chinese “抓到篮子里便是菜”. There are only “fish and net” in the original proverb, but they turns into “篮子和菜”in the Chinese proverb. (2

51、1)Hoist sail when the wind is fairIt seems that this proverb is talking about sailing, but actually it tells people to take advantage while they have the chance. It may be translated into “乘风扬帆，乘机行事,” and from which the readers cannot only known the origin of this proverb, but also understand its im

52、plied meaning.(22)Catch the bear before you sell its skin.This proverb vividly warns those who act prudently and do not be over-optimistic. Its literal translation “捉到熊再卖皮” just reproduces such vividness to the readers(23)瑞雪兆丰年This Chinese proverb means that snow foretells a bumper harvest. So its t

53、ranslation “A timely snow promises a good harvest” is good enough to retain the original meaning and effect. (24)豹死留皮，人死留名。The Chinese proverb tells us that a man has a reputation to leave to posterity when he dies; its literal translation “a dying leopard leaves his skin, a dying man his name.” is

54、faithful to the original both in meaning and image.2.2Cultural differences in Religion As religion once had an immense influence on people in feudal society, there are still many proverbs remaining which reflect religious belief at that time. Owing to their different religion, the English and Chines

55、e people used different figures in their own proverbs with religious allusion “God”, “heaven”, “devil”, “hell”, “church” etc, are often used in Christianity, whereas“佛” (Buddha) , “庙” （temple）, “和尚” (monk) ,etc. in Buddhism. 8 English proverbs:（25）God help those who help themselves. 天助者自助（26）The dev

56、il is good to his own 恶人自有恶人保 Chinese proverbs:（27）跑了和尚，跑不了庙。The monk may run away, but the temple cannot run with him.（28）做一天和尚撞一天钟。Go on tolling the bell as long as one is a monk.2.3Cultural differences in Cultural Tradition Both English and Chinese cultures have their traditions.Greek and Roman m

57、ythology also generates colorful proverbs. It has, in fact, produced tremendous influence on English literature and arts. Nevertheless, because of their too heavily cultural loan, a translation of them into Chinese can hardly preserve both its image and meaning. 8 (29) Love is blind This proverb is

58、from Roman mythology. Cupid, the God of love, is a boy with two wings. His eyes are blind-folded and he is flying in the sky with bow and arrows in hand, shooting his arrow of love. The one who gets the golden arrow will win his love. This proverb implies that lovers can not see each others weakness

59、es and shortcomings. So “爱情是盲目的” is the same as the original in implied meaning. (30) Bacchus has drowned more than Neptune Bacchus is the god of wine in Roman mythology and Neptune is the Roman god of the sea. The original proverb means that wine do more harm to people than sea. If it is translated

60、 literally, it will be “巴克斯淹死的人比尼普顿多” which is hardly understood by Chinese readers. So, the above version should be changed into “酒神淹死的人比海神多” which is more understandable.Some Chinese proverbs are derived from ancient Chinese myths and legends. Because of their too strong cultural color, some of th

61、e vivid image will have to be sacrificed in translation of them into target language. (31) 孙悟空跳不出如来佛手掌心。 This Chinese proverb is from The Pilgrimage to the West. If this proverb is translated literally, the readers of target language will be at a loss with the version “Sun wukong cannot jump out of

62、Ru Laifos palm.” Who are “Su Kulong” and “Ru Laifo”? Sun wukong is Monkey King who is clever and caable. Ru Laifo is Buddha Tathagata who is if great power. This proverb implied that a common man cannot escape the control from a powerful man. So, we had better translate it freely according to the im

63、plied meaning into “Be unable to jump out of anothers grasp. However clever and capable one may be.”2.4Cultural differences in their individual statement of thought pattern Owing to their different living conditions and cultural tradition, the Chinese and English people have their own individual sta

64、te of mind and ways of thinking, which also add national coloring to the proverbs. Since different people can have a different way of looking at a thing. The English and Chinese traditionally have a different opinion of dog, though both have cultivated the habit of keeping a dog. The Chinese usually despise such an animal. It usually symbolizes something unpleasant. So the dog is often associated with a derogatory sense, such as negation, indecency, meanness, disgusting, etc. in Chinese proverbs. But the English people, on th