A Descriptive Translation Study On The English Versions Of Hongloumeng

Prescriptive Translation Studies (PTS) are to make synchronic evaluations upon translations in the mode of "criteria-analysis-conclusion", while Descriptive Translation Studies (DTS) are to accept the existing translations, explore the influential factors in the social and historical contexts as well as their functions and status in the target language system, and then make a comprehensive and diachronic description. DTS can effectively avoid the interruption of different individual aesthetic expectations due to various social conditions, so as to objectively analyze the traits and values of each translation version. Therefore, this approach is most suitable to study the various versions appearing in the different historical periods of the same original.Hongloumeng is such a case. During the nearly 160 years from 1830 to 1986, there were 10 English versions of it, among which, eight were episodes translation or partial translation and only two were complete versions. If judged in the view of PTS, most of the versions would be badly translated and of little value, even not be regarded as translations. While DTS will offer them a chance to be objectively described and fairly assessed. This thesis is to study the 10 English versions of Hongloumeng from the viewpoint of PTS to describe their traits and analyze the underlying reasons. After reviewing the history of its English versions, we will understand their value.Descriptive Translation Studies can also help us better understand the profound factors that determined the products of translating. Through Lefevere's "Three Factors" theories, this thesis is also to contrastively analyze and explain the discrepancies between the two complete versions of Hongloumeng.