| There are two complete English versions of Lao Can You Ji by far: Harold Shadick’s translation(1952)and Geng Zhi & Xiao Liming’s translation(2017).Considering that Shadick’s version received mixed reviews and the studies on Geng and Xiao’s version is insufficient,these two versions have great space for further study.Generally speaking,if translators adheres to the principle of fidelity,the register of translated versions should be consistent with that of the source text,so there should be no register variation between its different translations.However,given the long time span between the two versions of Lao Can You Ji and the translators’ different cultural identities and motivations,will these factors lead to register variations between the two versions? If so,how to analyze them quantitatively?Using the Biber’s multidimensional analysis tool,the two versions are compared from six dimensions and the significance of the results are tested with SPSS software.In addition,typical examples are selected to make a detailed interpretation to check the validity of the computed results.Based on the above analysis,register variations and the linguistic factors contributing to them are evaluated and summarized.According to the paratexts of the translations,possible reasons for the variations are pointed out.The major findings are as follows:1)According to Biber’s multidimensional analysis,the two versions have significant differences in the following register features: involved vs.informational production(dimensions 1),overt expression of persuasion(dimension 4),abstract vs.non-abstract information(dimension 5)and on-line information elaboration(dimension 6).2)Paired sample t-test on linguistic features of the above dimensions shows that the main factors affecting the variations in the four dimensions are: dimension 1:possibility modals(POMD),private verbs(PRIV),sentence relatives(SERE),etc.;dimension 4: possibility modals(POMD),infinitives(TO)and suasive verbs(SUAV);dimension 5: conjuncts(CONJ),agentless passives(PASS),by-passives(BYPA),etc.;dimension 6: demonstratives pronouns(DEMP),demonstratives(DEMO).Specifically,Shadick’s translation exhibits features of interactivity,parataxis,rich information,and informality;while Geng and Xiao’s version gives the impression of hypotaxis and formality that is embodied in condensed sentence structure,passive voice,and explicitness in emotions.3)The above register variations can be traced back to the translators’ strategies.Shadick,a Sinologist,motivated by his love for Chinese culture,attempted to fully present the exoticism of Chinese language and culture in Lao Can You Ji,so his version mostly adopts literal translation with many culture-loaded words which results in high type-token ratio.Due to his imitation of Chinese syntax,his sentences are shorter,leading to an informal register.On the contrary,Geng and Xiao’s purpose of translation was the novel’s readability and dissemination in English readership.Therefore,they tried to improve the Yangs’ version by adopting free translation,omission,and additions.Their usage of passive voice and longer,condensed sentences make a formal register.Combining qualitative analyses of the translated texts,it is found that multidimensional analysis is basically effective in analyzing register variation between translated texts,but its results could be contradictory sometimes.So it is necessary to make judgments based on the translation strategies and contexts. |
