Translation of Words with Cultural Image

Abstract

Cultural image is a kind of cultural symbol, which carries unique, wide, deep cultural connotations. The default and misplacement of cultural images caused by cultural differences always put translators in dilemma. The differences in cultural images between the source and target language frequently cause semantic default and contextual conflicts in the process of transference and present a hard nut for the translator to crack. Due to the close relationship between language and culture, unique cultural images are formed in the languages of different nations. In the process of translation, as a cross-language and cross-cultural activity, the cultural image of the original words should be expressed and the cultural meanings should be transmitted as appropriately and completely as possible. While in practical translation, translators always find it difficult to choose an almost equal word to replace the original one, thus the problems of misplacement, loss in the translation of words with cultural image come out, which cause difficulties and misunderstandings in the intercultural communication. In this paper it is to present the status quo of translating words with cultural image and illustrate their unique meaning in different cultures. Then it is to discuss some problems caused in translation activities. Finally it is to expound the upmost principle for translating cultural images: foreignizing translation. Based on foreignization, several suitably acceptable methods are introduced in this paper as well: to transplant the original images faithfully by means of image retention and notes and image addition in order to achieve the purpose of cross-cultural communication, which will make translation more suitable for the purpose of cultural intercommunication.