语义·交际·修辞：《庄子》英译本对比研究的开题报告.docx

语义·交际·修辞：《庄子》英译本对比研究的开题报告 Title: A Comparative Study of Semantics, Communication, and Rhetoric in English Translations of Zhuangzi Introduction: The Zhuangzi, one of the most famous and influential works of Chinese philosophy, has been translated into English numerous times. The translations differ in style, tone, and language use, which impact the interpretation and understanding of the text. This research project aims to conduct a comparative study of the semantics, communication, and rhetoric in several English translations of the Zhuangzi, with the goal of identifying the most effective and accurate translation. Objectives: 1. To analyze the semantics of the translations and compare how they convey the nuances of meaning and cultural context of the original text. 2. To evaluate the communication effectiveness of the translations in terms of the target readership, including the clarity and accessibility of language use. 3. To examine the use of rhetorical devices and techniques in the translations and assess their impact on the meaning and interpretation of the text. Methodology: The research will involve a qualitative analysis of several English translations of the Zhuangzi, including those by Burton Watson, James Legge, and Thomas Merton. The text will be analyzed according to the three objectives listed above, with an emphasis on identifying specific examples of semantic differences, communication strengths and weaknesses, and rhetorical devices used. Data will be collected through a close reading of the text and a comparison of the translations to the original text in Chinese. The analysis will be both deductive and inductive, drawing on existing theories of translation and literary analysis, as well as identifying new insights and observations. Expected outcomes: The research is expected to produce a comparative evaluation of several English translations of the Zhuangzi, highlighting differences and similarities in the semantics, communication, and rhetoric