Abstract and Key Words

Abstract: Translating methods are undoubtedly the core problems we are confronted with in translation. There are many kinds of translating methods: literal translation, free translation, transliteration and the synthesis of literal translation and free translation and so on. Among many translation methods, literal translation and free translation are the two main translating methods commonly adopted by us. The thesis investigates the subject from a different viewpoint, and analyzes the different functions of these two translation methods in translation practice. It is suggested that there is no line of demarcation between literal translation and free translation. What’s a more, different literality style, reader’s taste, translator’s awareness can influence choice of translation methods.

Keywords: literal translation; free translation; discussion

摘要：“直译”与“意译”这两种翻译方法在实际翻译过程中应用最普遍,是最常见的两种翻译方法。本文通过对“直译”和“意译”两种翻译方法的进一步探讨，分析两种翻译方法在翻译实践中各有所长，旨在说明没有严格的直译和意译之分，只有根据文体和读者的不同各有偏重，以及译者主观意识会影响直译和意译手段的选择。

关键词：直译；意译；探讨

1. Introduction
Some people say that literal method should be used in translation while others maintain that in translations free method should be. Yan Zong in Sui Dynasty stood for literal translation, while, Kumarajiva stood for free translation. In the modern period, Mao Dun says that the term” literal translation” has become something of authority since the May 4th Movement. In different times, the translators have their own opinion of literal translation and free translation.
Literal translation and free translation are two basic skills of translation. Literal translation refers to translating a sentence by keeping the original form, including meaning of the original words, and metaphor of the original so that the translation can reflect the characteristics and style of the original.
Free translation refers to, according to the meaning of the original, without paying attention to the forms and translation would also be fluent and natural. Free translation need not pay attention to the form of the original, including construction of the original sentences, meaning of the original works, metaphors of the original and so on. But free translation does not mean to delete or add content to the original and translators must consider the original carefully, know its stress, translate it naturally, and express the meaning of the original. Free translation is a skill by which translators must know the culture of both source language and target language, and must have extensive knowledge.