Translation Approaches in Rendering Names of Tourist Sites

Siowai Lo

doi:10.7575/aiac.ijclts.v.9n.1p.31

Abstract

This article identifies the translation approaches adopted in the translation of names of tourist sites in China and examines how ‘fame’ and ‘popularity’ may influence these approaches. Upon analyzing a corpus of scenic site names, it is found that ‘pure phonetic’, ‘phonetic (name) + semantic (class)’, ‘pure semantic’, and ‘phonetic (location) + semantic (name) are the four major patterns in the translations of site names. On the whole, the data shows that phonetic translation is dominant over semantic translation. Meanwhile, ‘fame’ and ‘popularity’ have great impact on the translated names of scenic sites. The findings also suggest that a phonetic translation approach is preferred in rendering names of world-famous sites whereas a semantic translation approach is more frequently used for the name translation of sites located in places with higher popularity. The conflicting results reflect China’s struggle between preserving its cultural flavor for the sake of national identity and catering to foreign visitors for the benefit of the country’s tourism development.

Highlights

As China receives more foreign visitors, the English translation of tourist information plays an increasingly crucial role in the development of the tourism industry
The findings suggest that a phonetic translation approach is preferred in rendering names of world-famous sites whereas a semantic translation approach is more frequently used for the name translation of sites located in places with higher popularity
Two variables, including a list of attractions in this corpus that are titled as World Heritage sites and statistical data that shows the number of foreign visitors in different areas in China, were later examined to explore factors that may affect the adoption of translation strategies translating place names from Chinese to English

Summary

Introduction

As China receives more foreign visitors, the English translation of tourist information plays an increasingly crucial role in the development of the tourism industry. Among a range of tourist information, the translation of the names of tourist sites is one of the most fundamental and significant elements in the sector. Despite a composition of only a few words, an improper translation of tourist site names can project a wrong impression of the sites among tourists who have not yet visited the place in person, or result in travellers’ misunderstanding and confusion (Dann, 1996). Increasing attention has been paid to the English translation of Chinese attraction names following the growth of China’s tourism industry, the translation approaches adopted vary greatly. There are comparatively reader-friendly translated names such as ‘Summer Palace’ and ‘West Lake’. There are semi-foreign translated names like ‘Mount Taishan’ and ‘Huangguoshu Falls’ that are fairly understandable, but there are translated names such as ‘Jiuzhaigou’ and ‘Shanhaiguan’ that appear completely alien to most target readers

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion