Culture and translation.pptVIP

An Introduction to Culture and Translation 文化与翻译概况 I. What is Culture? Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by a man as a member of society.（文化是一种复杂的整体， 其中包括知识、信仰、艺术、道德、法律、 习俗以及人们作为社会成员而获得的一切能力和习惯）--- By Edward B. Tylor , an English anthropologist , in his The Primitive Culture in 1871 Newmark, a British translation theorist, includes language in culture in his A Textbook of Translation by saying “ I define culture as the way of life and his manifestation that are peculiar to a community that uses a peculiar language as its means of expression (我给文化下的定义是：使用某个特定语言作为其表达工具的某个特定社会的生活方式及其表现形式). 辞海：“从广义来说，指人类社会历史实践过程中所创造的物质财富和精神财富的总和。从狭义来说，指社会的意识形态以及与此相适应的制度和组织机构。” Culture has very distinctive national and historical traits as well as regional characteristics. II. Language and Culture Language is an important part of culture. Language is the carrier of culture. Language is the mirror of culture. Therefore, differences in culture mean differences in language. When a culture experiences a radical change , the vocabulary also undergoes corresponding alterations. Language is the motivation of culture development, and is strongly influenced and shaped by culture. Language also exerts its influence on culture. III. Culture and translation Translation is not only a transfer of language, but also the transfer of cultures. The task of a translator is to span the gaps and establish bridge between the two cultures. A translator are expected and required to make continuous comparisons between the two cultures. (Many scholars think that )translation is not only a cross-linguistic communication, but also an intercultural and cross-social communicative activity. IV. Macro-culture and Micro-culture or big C and small c According to E.D. Allen and C. J. Ovado, Big C covers every aspect that can reflect human civilization including literature, art, music architecture, philosop