从信达雅角度比较《诗经·关雎》的两种英译_英语论文

A Comparison of the Two English Versions of Guan Ju from the Point of Faithfulness, Expressiveness and Elegance

摘要

本文以严复的翻译理论为基础，从信、达、雅三方面对比许渊冲和亚瑟·韦利的《关睢》英文译本。《关睢》中有很多细节描写，针对它们的译文本课题都将进行细致的比较。两者的译文区别是很明显且具代表性的。许渊冲信奉“三美”并注重韵律，深求诗中文化内涵，文笔精练优雅。韦利则更多采用直译法和散体译法，相对直白无味。因此，几乎可以认为许渊冲教授的译本更符合“信、达、雅”的要求。

关键词：关睢；信；达；雅

Abstract

This thesis is based on Xu Yuanchong’s and Arthur Waley’s Engligh versions of Guan Ju. It will compare the two versions from the point of Yan Fu’s most important translation theory——faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance. Guan Ju is a folk love song for men and women in the Pre-Qin times that includes various details, such as flora, fauna, figures, motions and mental activities. Translations of all these things are sure to be compared carefully in the thesis. The difference between their versions is very obvious and representative. By comparing their translation style and characteristic, we can find Professor Xu Yuanchong believes in theory of “Three Beauties”. He pays more attention to the rhythm, gets to cultural connotation at the same time. However, Arthur Waley mostly apply approaches of literal translation and unmetrical translation because he does not know Chinese traditional culture as well as professor Xu does. That is why his version is relatively less accurate and beautiful than Xu’s. Therefore, we can almost conclude that Xu’s version better meets the demand of faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance. 

Keywords: Guan Ju; faithfulness; expressiveness; elegance

Contents

1. Introduction 1

2.Yan Fu's Translation Theory—— Faithfulness, Expressiveness and Elegance 2

2.1 What is faithfulness? 2

2.2 What is expressiveness? 3

2.3 What is elegance? 3

3.Compare the Versions from the Point of Faithfulness 4

3.1 Translation of nouns 4

3.2 Translation of verbs 5

4.Compare the Versions from the Point of Expressiveness 6

4.1 Translation of turtledove’s chirp 6

4.2 Translation of an overnight sensation and yearning between the youth 6

5.Compare the Versions from the Point of Elegance 7

5.1 Rhythm of Xu Yuanchong’s version 8

5.2 Prose-style of Waley’s version 9

6.Conclusion 10

Works Cited 12