On The C-E Translation Of Network Catchwords:a Cross-Cultural Perspective

With the development of internet and the increasing of netizens, network language as a new linguistic phenomenon has caused wide concern in society. With the further study of network language, people begin to bring attention to another linguistic phenomenon----network catchwords. The network catchwords as a special language variant take on cultural connotation out of semantic features. This thesis analyzes strategies and methods for the C-E translation of network catchwords from the cross-cultural perspective, in order to efficiently convey the information of network catchwords to foreigners.Discussing on the C-E translation of network catchwords from the cross-cultural perspective refers to translate the Chinese network catchwords into English based on the purpose of culture exchange and culture transmission, and network catchwords is part of Chinese language culture that can act as a bridge for communication with other cultures. The target readers can get a deeper cognition about China by reading the English translation. Since the translation is affected by many cultural factors, the application of translation strategy for the C-E translation of network catchwords goes to the cultural level. This thesis holds that the C-E translation of network catchwords should maximize the effect of culture exchange and culture transmission. Considering the cultural differences prevails over cultural similarities, which decides the translation strategy from the cross-cultural perspective should mainly depends on domestication and supplemented by foreignization.This thesis mainly divides into three parts:the first part elaborates the definition, formation and features of the Chinese network catchwords. This part clearly defines network catchwords are words or expressions which become widespread in particular social region, and concludes the formation and features of network catchwords by practical examples. The second part focuses on the analysis of translation from the cross-cultural perspective, and this section begins with the interrelations among language, culture and translation, and then analyzes cultural context, cultural similarities and cultural differences on the C-E translation of network catchwords. The third part discusses translation strategies and methods for the C-E translation of network catchwords. Bases on analyzing a large number of examples, the author tries to sum up six methods for the C-E translation of network catchwords:1)Literal translation2) Free translation3) Literal translation plus annotation4) Interpretation5) Back translation6) Substitution And this six methods can effectively render the Chinese network catchwords into idiomatic English.The Chinese network catchwords reflect all aspects of our social life, thus to translate it into accurate and authentic English is a significant endeavor. Through the C-E translation of network catchwords not only can make the foreign readers better know China but also achieve the purpose of promoting cross-cultural communication.