A Report On C-E Translation Of Historical Bio-fiction The Stories Of Zeng Gong(Excerpt)

For Chinese culture,going global is an inevitable requirement of historical development,and among assorted materials,historical bio-fictions introducing cultural notables are more easily to be accepted.This thesis,guided by Apia’s Thick Translation Theory,aims at exploring the translation strategies and methods of historical bio-fictions with The Stories of Zeng Gong as an example,using research methods such as case studies,exemplification and comparison.Meanwhile,this thesis hopes to manifest in-depth the cultural background of early Song Dynasty by translating The Stories of Zeng Gong,such as the imperial examination system and the functions of grassroot officials.In addition,this thesis indicates that the translation of historical biographical texts with rich cultural background requires the translator’s careful analysis on source text in case of misinterpretation of,especially,words with unique definition different from other dynasties.Besides,the translator is supposed to provide necessary cultural background basing on correct understanding and unveil the covered content,otherwise it may cause comprehension problems for target readers lacking background knowledge.What’s more,the purpose of Thick Translation is to build communication bridges by equipping the translated text with a rich cultural and linguistic background.The translator,thus,should restrain from “over interpreting”which brings additional understanding burden to readers and even reduces the effectiveness of cultural communication.Thick Translation aims to present exotic culture to target readers through the complement of extra cultural background.In consequence,exploring the application of it in the translation of The Stories of Zeng Gong through practice may offer general references to the translation of historical bio-fictions.