7.10 Translation Problems--Lack of Conceptual Equivalence数字时代的商务英语写作.pdf

Intercultural CommunicationBarriers Intercultural CommunicationBarriers 7.10TranslationProblems--Lackof ConceptualEquivalence. Now let’s have a look at the rather challenging problem, that is, lack of conceptual equivalence.It refersto abstract ideas that may not exist in the same fashion in diverse languages.Take “dream” as an example.It is a very general word with itsmeaning commonly shared and perceived all the world over. But when it comes together with “American”, it becomes unique in the context ofAmerican history and culture, symbolizing theAmerican spirit ofpursuing freedom and equality. But it conveys totally different concept when it stays together with “Chinese”.As we all know, “Chinese Dream” reflects the expectation and determination for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, which has been the greatest dream of the Chinese people since the beginning of modern times.In common effort,we Chinesepeople aim to makethecountryprosperousand strongand seethat thepeoplearehappy. Another commonly-accepted example isthe concept ofthe Chineseword “天”. In one of the classical Chinese literary works, A Dream of Red Mansions( 《红楼梦》),thereissuch a sentence “谋事在人 ，成事在天” saidby Liu Laolao in Chapter 6. David Hawkes translated it as “Man proposes, God disposes.” Though “God” makes sense to English readers, they might assume that Liu Laolao is a Christian. But in Chinese translators Yang Xianyi and Dai Naidie’s version, “God” is replaced with “Heaven” which reveals the fact that ancient Chinese belief in heaven which dominated everythingwith the almighty power.(郑兰英. 翻译中理解障碍问题 分析, 中国科技翻译. 2003(5) 6-8.) Expressionslike “三个代表”, “不折腾”, “熊 孩子”, “单身狗”, etc. convey no equivalent concepts in English language and culture. In the same vein, “Waterloo”, “Uncle Sam”, “Big Apple”, “crow”, “dog”, “owl”, “white elephant” and the word “Dutch” have respective connotations which are not found in Chinese language. If you are interested in finding the ad