Critical Discourse Analysis Of The Research On Ideology In Translation

Since the end of last century, the focus of translation studies has shiftedfrom gradually from linguistic aspects to external factors which shaped the productionof translation. Hence, the investigation into the role of ideology on translationdeveloped dramatically and the shaping force ideology exerted on translation is nowundisputed. However, as the mature of the translation discipline, if such investigationswent without the studies of language and discourse, they were just empty talks. Theinternal and external factors of translation were not on a binary opposition; instead,we should neglect neither during the researches. Critical discourse analysis (CDA) issuch an approach, which combines both macro study and micro analysis; it gives aninsight into the relations of power through the languages, and thus equipped us withthe vital tool to discriminate the intentions hidden by the superficial discourse forms.For translation studies, CDA provides a new perspective of research. But as anemerging theory, CDA is not yet mature within the domestic academic circles. It isseldom applied to translation studies in international studies, not least those domesticones. Therefore, to apply the theories and methodologies of CDA to translationstudies is not only effective but also necessary. The present study intends toinvestigate the ideological factors in translation studies through CDA.Conducted under the theoretical framework of CDA, the present research adoptsthe three-dimensional model devised by Norman Fairclough, and analyses theChina-U.S. Joint Statement through the three perspectives of texts, discourse practicesand social practices, mainly on three aspects: human rights, the Iran nuclear issue andcitizen discourse. The results indicate that the appeal to express its own ideologymotivates American government to intentionally select synonyms with differentsentiments, political meanings or intertexualities during its translation. In the end, thelexical differences of American translation reflect the ideological differences of thetwo countries, and serve to publicize its own ideology.