Abstract

With the booming of economy, China has become the second largest economy. In past, China tried its best to intermingle with foreign countries, however, the situation has changed. Europe, America and other western countries are longing for the common advance with China. Therefore, they must have a great command of Chinese culture. At this point, literary work plays an important role in promoting cultural exchange. Hong Lou Meng is such a masterpiece.

Hong Lou Meng not only displayed Chinese customs and culture to the rest of the world, but also it built a bridge between China and western countries. No one can deny the fact that it plays an irreplaceable role in promoting cultural exchange. Firstly, this paper briefly introduces its significance and structure. Then, here comes the characteristics of chapter titles and two English versions of it. Based on the theory of domestication and foreignization, this thesis would conduct a comparative analysis on the translation of chapter titles in Hong Lou Meng with some typical examples studied. After discussion, this paper will draw the conclusion and offer suggestion for the future study.

Key words: Hong Lou Meng; domestication and foreignization; translation of chapter titles; translation strategies

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1 Introduction.1

1.1 Research Background1

1.2 Significance of the Present Research.2

1.3 Strusture of the Thesis2

2 Chapter Titles in Hong Lou Meng..2

2.1 An Introduction to Chapter Titles2

2.2 Characteristic of Chapter Titles in Hong Lou Meng..3

2.3 Two English Versions of Chapter Titles in Hong Lou Meng4

3 Domestication and Foreignization5

3.1 The Definition of Domestication and Foreignization.5

3.2 Lawrence Venut's Foreignizing Translation Theory..6

4 Different Translation Strategies Adopted in Translation of Chapter  Titles in Hong Lou Meng.7

4.1 Translation of Names in Chapter Titles..7

4.1.1 Translation of Character's Names in Chapter Titles..8

4.1.2 Translation of Place Names in Chapter Titles..9

4.2 Translation of Allusion in Chapter Titles..10

4.3 Translation of Diction in Chapter Titles.11

4.4 Translation of Euphemistic Expression in Chapter Titles.11

4.5 Summary.13

5 Conclusion.14

5. 1 Main findings of the Thesis.14

5.2 Limitations and Suggestions for the Future Study14

References.15