A Study of Untranslatability and Strategies in English-American Literary Translation under Bassnetts Theory of Cultural Translation

Abstract

Literary works are the carrier of a nations history and culture and the embodiment of a nations cultural image. There are significant differences between English and Chinese cultures. In the context of cross-cultural communication, good translation of British and American literary works is helpful to promote cultural exchanges. At present, there have been many academic achievements in the study of English and American literature translation, and some of them have paid attention to differences in cultural backgrounds, but few studies combine with foreign translation theories. On the basis of previous translation research results, this paper will use Bassnetts theory of cultural translation to assess and analyze the translation methods of English and American literature. This article analyzes the importance of translation based on cultural differences in the process of English-American literature to Chinese versions translation and the untranslatability caused by cultural differences. In addition, British and American literature are analyzed from various angles, like mythological and religious vocabulary, living customs and living environment, and differences in thinking by using many practical examples.