A Study on the Idiomatic Phrases in English Translation of Frog Based on Translator Behavior Criticism

Abstract

Idiomatic phrases are unique constructions in the Chinese language, which are fixed in terminology, closely semantically integrated, and phonetically harmonious. They are independently used lexical units in the language. Frog is written by Mo Yan, and it contains a lot of idiomatic phrases, which is a great challenge for translators. Based on the theory of Translator Behaviour Criticism, the “truth-seeking-pragmatic” continuum evaluation model is applied in this present research. This paper takes Ge Haowen's English translation as an example, exploring the translation strategies he chose in the face of different linguistic environments, and carrying out a descriptive analysis and research on the idiomatic phrases in it. To provide a reference to the foreign translation of Chinese literature, the angle of the study of Frog can be broadened and help translators to master the skills of translating Chinese idioms.