Idiom Translation Approached From The Perspective Of Reception Theory

Language is a component of culture as well as a culture carrier. The differences between languages are manifested not only through linguistic forms such as pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar but also through the cultures languages embody. Idiom, as an established phrase or expression in the usage of a language, is veiy peculiar to itself and is characterized by its vivid image, euphony, preciseness and strong national colourings. Its close connection with a specific cultural heritage poses a tricky problem in translation. For quite a long time the translation of idioms seems to be conlined to a routine frame, namely, a general introduction of idiom is presented first and then possible approaches are offered, such as literal translation, free translation, literal translation with footnotes and the use of corresponding idioms in the target language, etc. There is a lack of intrinsic and organic connection between the introduction of idioms and the possible approaches provided. The significance of image in translation is not duly recognized. More often than not the image is either abandoned or changed. As a result, ~hat is not there in the source text is added and what is there in the source text is lost. This paper attempts to mtmduce reception theory into the process of translating. Through a detailed analysis of the important concepts of reception theory in translation, it brings about the conclusion that the cultural difference contained in idioms might to some extent be appropriately handled, as readers in the target language have horizon of expectation and the readers?receptive process is a dynamic process. The paper is composed of five parts, which are condensed as follows: Chapter One discusses the difference between reception theory and other literary theories from the perspective of the concept of literary work and the readers?role and status. The concepts of literary work, the readers?horizon of expectation, the indetem~iinacy of text and the defamiliaxization of a literary work are introduced into translation. The actual realization of each of them in translation is analysed and the conclusion that translation is the best model for the reception theory is dm~. Meanwhile limitations of the reception theory are also pointed out. Chapter Two focuses on the difficulties posed by idioms in translation and calls for special approaches to these problems. The fundamental features of idiom as a particular linguistic phenomenon are analysed and the difficulties in recognizing, understanding and translating idioms are probed into in detail. Then the possibility of idioms translation is discussed from the perspectives of language universals, the extents of cultural similarities and certain intellectual capacity of all peoples. Chapter Three presents an analysis of the reception theory in the translation of idioms from the perspective of readers?role and status, the shill of horizon of expectation and reception and cultural exchange. The key to the translation of idioms lies in the successful conveyance of cultural images. The fresh images contained in an idiom should be kept as much as possible instead of being abandoned or changed. Examples are given to illustrate that cultural difference could, to some extent, be successfully settled and the methods adopted in translating images should be in line with the change of the readers?horizon of expectation. Chapter Four analyses the intrinsic features of idioms, their literal and...