Abstract
ABSTRACT Names and naming mechanisms are linguistically and culturally determined, with asymmetrical name repertoires in different cultures. Drawing on Windt’s work, this case study explores the English translations of the names of 146 characters in Shen Congwen’s stories. Four translation strategies are identified and discussed: (1) transcription, whereby a name’s sound is transcribed into Chinese pinyin system; (2) transcription accompanied by an in-text explanation or footnote/endnote; (3) translation of the literal meaning; and (4) translation of the interpretation of the name’s semantic/implied meanings. It is argued that the translated Chinese literary names produced by the four strategies are ultimately imbued with reinforced foreignness, regardless of which strategy is employed. For this reason, a transcription of the name (including an explanatory note at the first mention) is recommended as a way to accept the Other and cultivate a greater tolerance of its foreignness.
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