Translating Cantonese Idioms: For a Purpose of Equivalent Communicative Effect

Abstract

Equivalent Translation theory emphasises that the translated text makes the target readers get the equivalent effect as the original readers. Since idiom represents the uniqueness of a culture, translating idioms is a hard job. To have idiomatic expressions, behind which is the colourful local culture, known by readers from other countries needs transferring the effect on original readers in the target language to make target readers get the equivalent response. As a dialect close to ancient Chinses language, Cantonese abounds with many idioms that bear the speciality of Cantonese culture. Based on Equivalent Translation theory, by Literal Translation, Semantic Translation and Communicative Translation, the expressive effect of Cantonese idioms can be better transmitted to English readers, which can appeal readers’ interest on Cantonese culture and is beneficial for cultural communication, as well as enlivening Cantonese.