Abstract
This study examines the English and Spanish translations of metaphors in Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (I-III) within the theoretical framework of Translator Behavior Criticism. In the description of the translators’ behavioral tendencies and diachronic changes, differences are identified between the English and Spanish translating teams with regards to their philosophy of translation, which leads to an analysis of the social motivations of the translators’ behaviors within the field of political discourse translation in China. The following findings have been derived: 1) The Spanish translation is faithful to the form of expression of the ST, which suggests a translators’ behavioral tendency towards the “truth-seeking” principle. The English translation is freer since it upholds a semantic rather than formal equivalence to the ST, suggesting that the English translating team is more oriented towards the “utility-attaining” principle than their Spanish counterparts. 2) Observed from a diachronic perspective, the English translating team always maintained a balance between the two above-mentioned principles in translating the metaphors and their “truth-seeking” and “utility-attaining” behaviors were both enhanced in their translation of the third volume. The Spanish translating team always tilted towards the “truth-seeking” principle, demonstrating just a slight increase of “utility-attaining” behavior throughout their translation of the three volumes. 3) There is an evident difference between the English and Spanish translating teams regarding their “philosophy of faithfulness”. A “semantic” faithfulness with pragmatic concerns advocated by the former team is becoming the mainstream norm governing the current field of political discourse translation in China.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.