On Translation Of English Idioms Into Chinese From The Perspective Of Relevance Theory

Idioms are generally considered the cream of a language, and due to their beautifulness in sound and form,brevity and vividness, they are widely used by people of all nations in their daily life. English idioms, one of the most important parts of English language, are embodied with abundant English culture and characterized with special national flavors.In English-Chinese translation, the different geographic, historic as well as religious backgrounds of the two languages cause difficulties in English idiom translation.Relevance theory offers a new perspective for idiom translation. Though it is not meant for translation studies, it has a powerful explanation on translation by viewing it as an inter-cultural communication. Under the framework of Relevance theory, translation process is an interpretative communication containing two ostensive-inferential processes. During this communicative process, the translator dynamically selects enough information to be conveyed and tries to meet the expectations of the target-language audience. The translation process is influenced by the communication between the original author, the translator as well as the target language audience.This thesis tries to answer three questions concerning English idiom translation under the framework of Relevance theory:First, why is Relevance theory applicable for the translation of English idioms? Second, what are the problems of English idiom translation under the framework of Relevance theory? Third, what methods can be adopted in English idiom translation under the framework of Relevance theory? Through the study on these three questions, this thesis discusses the translatability of English idioms and the mistranslation of them which are caused by different language contexts and the misuse of contextual effects.Then the author summarizes the translation process of English idioms in the framework of Relevance theory. Finally, three guidelines as well as some methods of English idiom translation are presented under the framework of Relevance theory so as to further enhance the scientific maneuverability on English idiom translation and give some enlightenment to translators and translation researchers.