Translation Analysis Of Idioms In Zizhi Tongjian From The Perspective Of Semantic And Communicative Translation

As a distinctive treasure trove of each nation?s cultures,idioms contain rich cultural information,vivid images and philosophical connotations.They are not only applied in literary works but also pervasive in our daily life.The translation of idioms that are endowed with both stable structures and profound implications has always been one of the most difficult translation phenomena.Splendid ancient classics of China are one of the major origins of Chinese idioms,the translation of which aims at “spreading Chinese culture and shaping the image of China”.Being a shining pearl among historical classics,Zizhi Tongjian(Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government)is a prominent masterpiece with a combination of literature and history.Pursuing narrative and literary grace,the book is not only the witness of the long-standing Chinese history,but also the brilliant wisdom of life.It is observed that,Zizhi Tongjian lays its essence on its abundant idioms,which can be traced in different settings.Semantic and communicative translation methods are Peter Newmark?s core concepts of translation.Based on the theoretical framework,this paper takes Zizhi Tongjian and Rafe de Crespigny?s translation version as basic research materials.The purpose is to find out which translation method Rafe tends to adopt in translating idioms,and further to explore conceivable factors that dominate his choice.In addition,this paper mainly summarizes feasible techniques in dealing with idiom translation and assesses the effects of these techniques.It is found that Rafe leans towards semantic translation method when translating idioms.However,where there is a conflict,the application of communicative translation may serve larger readership.The reason is that Zizhi Tongjian itself belongs to an expressive text,centering on the original author.Besides,idioms serve as the author?s idiolect,which ought to be translated semantically.The adoption of semantic translation can help us reproduce the original flavor of the work as much as possible.As Newmark said,the two translation methods are often used together but with different emphasis,complementing each other in nature.The research also finds out that the translator uses varied techniques to render these manifold idioms.Among them,literal translation,literal translation with annotation and transference are mainly incorporated to ensure semantic translation.Besides,when it comes to communicative translation,generalizing translation,explicitation and cultural equivalent are applied in a broad sense,exerting positive effects on message delivery.Nevertheless,when dealing with translating idioms,Rafe inevitably misinterprets the original idioms due to cultural barriers.And the readership occasionally may be over-emphasized,which may lead to loss of meaning.In brief,when translating idioms,translators should not only be proficient in the two cultures,but also achieve the perfect combination of semantic and communicative translation methods.At the same time,flexible usage of various techniques for different situations can achieve better translation results.