Contemporary Fantasy Literature Translation Under The Framework Of Context Theory

Translation is a process of transferring the text from one language to anotherin which the context transition between the source language and the target languageplays a particularly important role. Therefore, context is extremely decisive totranslation and the interpretation of context is one of the most important steps. Tosome extent, translation means context transition and occurs in some given context,which consists of the starting point of this research.Context restricts semantics, and semantics reflects context and is themanifestation of context. Thus, in the process of translation, context, to some extent,restricts the expression of the target language. This kind of restriction is the researchcontent of this thesis. Because there is no agreed classification criterion for context,this thesis combines different classifications to interpret the influence on translationby context. From the perspectives of linguistic context, situational context andcultural context, this thesis attempts to analyze and evaluate the Chinese version ofHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (hereafter abbreviated as Harry Potter VII)translated by Ma Ainong and Ma Aixin. The Harry Potter series, viewed as arepresentative work of modern fantasy stories, has been sweeping the country since itwas translated and introduced to China. As for language of the last installment, thereare numerous spells that only exist in magic world and cannot be found theircounterparts in Chinese, so it brings a great challenge for translation. In addition, theroles of this novel frequently transfer from the magic world and real world. Therefore,it makes great challenge for the target language. However, Ma Ainong and Ma Aixinhave participated in translating the former installments (except the third installment),so they are able to grasp the author’s linguistic style and deal with the context transition properly. Therefore, it is selected as a case study to explore how contextinfluence translation of fantasies. On the basis of previous studies at home and abroad,this thesis analyzes linguistic context, situational context and cultural context duringtranslation. It deals with the relationship between context and translation in order toexpose the influence and significance of context on translation. Through this casestudy, this thesis finds that situational context restricts the words of participants inconversations and reflects the participants’personalities. Therefore, in the process oftranslation, translators are expected to discover the influence inflicted by certainsituational context. The thesis also concludes that linguistic context of the sourcelanguage prescribes the choices of the translated expressions or words not only at thegrammatical level but also at the lexical level. Eventually, from the perspective ofcultural context, it elaborates how cultural differences between the source languageand the target language influence the contextual transition during translation. Thisthesis is expected to attract the notice of the translators and the readers on therelationship between context and translation.