Abstract：There is an old saying, “People take food as their first need”. The names of Chinese dishes not only reflect raw materials and cooking methods, but also contain Chinese long-standing and colorful dish culture. Based on the theory of cultural translation, this thesis aims to discuss the translation of the names of Chinese dishes from a cultural aspect. It points out some problems in the process of translation through the differences between Chinese dish culture and Western dish culture, and proposes main methods of the translation of the names of Chinese dishes by concrete examples. Finally, it comes to the conclusion that it is important to add cultural connotation into the translation. This can make the translation accurate and beautiful and as well make the Chinese dishes become widely popular and praised all over the world. 

Key words: dish culture; cultural translation theory; Chinese dish names

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction.1

2. Relationship between Culture and Translation....1

3. Cultural Translation Theory.....2

  3.1 Development of Cultural Translation Theory

  3.2 Concepts of Cultural Translation Theory

4. Translation of Chinese Dish Names.3

  4.1 Differences between Chinese and Western Dish Cultures

  4.2 Main Problems in Translation of Chinese Dish Names

  4.3 Major Methods Applied in Translation of Chinese Dish Names

    4.3.1 Literal Translation

    4.3.2 Literal Translation Combined with Explanation or Addition

    4.3.3 Free Translation

5. Conclusion7

  5.1 Implication of the Research

  5.2 Importance of Cultural Translation

Bibliography.9

Acknowledgements.10