Red Mansions Research Articles

CULTURAL DISTORTION AND STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL FACSIMILE IN THE PROCESS OF TRANSLATION FROM CHINESE INTO RUSSIAN

The distortion of culture is an inevitable issue in the field of cross-cultural communication, and the use of suitable translation strategies can enhance the degree of cultural facsimile to some extent. However, there is still a lack of literature on strategies for addressing cultural distortion and promoting cultural facsimile in the context of Chinese-Russian cultural communication, particularly in the field of translation from Chinese into Russian. This article aims to study two common manifestations of cultural distortion and explore the reasons behind them, and based on this, discuss strategies for achieving cultural facsimile. The article points out two specific manifestations of cultural distortion: 1) a certain referent is well known in culture A, but completely unknown to culture B; 2) a certain referent exists in both nations, but the cultural connotations of this referent do not coincide. A more detailed description of the two cultural distortion manifestations is also given in certain sentences from Chinese literature such as “A Dream in Red Mansions”, “Outlaws of the Marsh”, “Fortress Besieged” and their Russian translations. By analyzing and summarizing the causes of cultural distortion, this article advocates that translators should follow the “culture should not be domesticated” principle when translating. Under this principle, the article proposes translation methods such as direct translation, direct translation with annotations, and phonetic translation with annotations, which are of reference value for promoting cultural exchanges between the Chinese and Russian peoples.

Exploration of AI and AR Technologies in the Character Design of "Dream of the Red Chamber"

This study explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) technologies in recreating the character of Wang Xifeng, a core figure in the Chinese classical literary masterpiece "Dream of the Red Mansions". By integrating two advanced tools, Midjourney and Kivicube, the study successfully created and displayed a digital virtual avatar of Wang Xifeng. The research employed qualitative research methods, including content analysis, experimental research, and a questionnaire survey. The feedback results showed that most participants were satisfied with the reshaped image of Wang Xifeng using AI and AR technologies. This study not only opens up new avenues for the modern interpretation of traditional literary characters but also provides valuable experience and theoretical support for the inheritance and innovative practice of traditional culture.

A Study on Translator’s Subjectivity of Dream of Red Mansions Based on Polysystem Theory

With the development of The Times, translation studies are no longer limited to text and syntax, but have expanded from in-text studies to out-of-text studies. Translation activities are carried out in two cultural contexts. Therefore, from a new translation perspective, the translation process pays more attention to the target language culture and the influence of various social, cultural and economic factors on translation activities, thus developing the translator's subjectivity. The status of the translator is gradually revealed, which makes the translation closer to the target language culture and expands the target audience. Based on the comparison between traditional translation theory and multi-system theory, this paper takes the translation of Dream of Red Mansions as an example, and has an in-depth study of the translator's subjectivity in the translation process through comparison and analysis, emphasizing the important effect of the translator's subjectivity in translation activities,so as to provide references for how to produce high-quality text translation.

The translation of food in Hong Lou Meng: a cross-linguistic study based on the English and French versions

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of a corpus-based investigation of the English and French translations of Chinese food-related culture-specific items (CSIs) in the classic Chinese novel Hong Lou Meng (A Dream of Red Mansions). The aim of the study is threefold: i) to determine what (translation) techniques were commonly used to render these Chinese CSIs through systematic quantitative analysis; ii) to determine whether the translations tended to be foreignized, neutralized, or domesticated; and iii) to compare the two target texts (TTs) in order to identify similarities and differences. The quantitative analysis was conducted within the existing theoretical framework, and methods from the field of corpus-based studies were used. The results indicate two significant similarities between the English and French TTs: first, neutralizing techniques are the most prominent, followed by foreignizing and domesticating techniques in descending order; second, direct translation and paraphrase are the most frequently used techniques. However, data from the two TTs show significant differences in the distribution of techniques, the degree of neutralization, and the frequency of several techniques (e.g. generalization and compression). Moreover, comparing the English and French translations of the same Chinese CSI reveals more cross-linguistic differences than similarities.

Cultural MemoryA Dream of Red Mansions

This paper applies the theory of cultural memory, proposed by Jan Assmann, to the study of the Chinese classical novel A Dream of Red Mansions. The first part of this paper introduces the historical development of Cultural Memory theory and its features. In the second part of the paper, it applies Cultural Memory theory to the narrative structure and novel characters research of A Dream of Red Mansions. Through analysis, the complexity and inherent contradictions in the narrative structure of A Dream of Red Mansions provide evidence for the hypothesis that A Dream of Red Mansions is a combination of Mirror for The Romantic and The Story of Stone. A Dream of Red Mansions may have more than one author, besides Cao Xueqin, another author is Cao Xueqin's elder, who experienced the rise and fall of the Cao family firsthand. This also explains the contradictions in the character images in A Dream of Red Mansions, especially the persona of Jia Baoyu, which consisted of the authors' life experience and ideal personality. The novel A Dream of Red Mansions has a dual nature of cultural memory.

The Application of Embodied Cognitive Linguistics in the English Translation of Two-Part Allegorical Saying—An Analysis of Examples From A Dream of Red Mansions

The Application of Embodied Cognitive Linguistics in the English Translation of Two-Part Allegorical Saying—An Analysis of Examples From A Dream of Red Mansions

Quantifying the style of joint translations: A multi-perspective stylometric analysis of The story of the stone by David Hawkes and John Minford

ABSTRACT In this study, we explore the under-examined area of joint translation within translation studies academia through a detailed stylometric analysis of the English rendition of the classic Chinese novel Hongloumeng (literally A dream of red mansions, also known as The story of the stone). Initially, we scrutinize the translation’s lexical diversity employing metrics such as MATTR and MWL, alongside analyzing sentence length via MSL and idea density through the use of CPIDR. Subsequently, we apply a multidimensional analysis with the MAT 1.3.2 framework. Finally, we delve into the implications our stylometric findings have for stylistic analysis. Our comprehensive quantitative evaluation underscores the efficacy of multi-perspective stylometric analysis in enhancing descriptive studies of translator and translation styles, thereby effectively distinguishing ‘translator-ship’.

A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF THE RUSSIAN TRANSLATION OF CHARACTER EPITHETS IN THE NOVEL “A DREAM OF RED MANSIONS” BASED ON THE THEORY OF CONCEPTUAL METAPHOR

In the novel “A Dream of Red Mansions” the author Cao Xueqin connects the characters’ nicknames with the characters themselves and the themes of the work, forming the epithet metaphor. The translation of these metaphors has a far-reaching significance for cross-cultural communication. Thus, the object of our research includes the personal names and nicknames of the novel’s characters, with a special focus on their translation into Russian. The aim of the paper is to confirm or question the adequacy of the translation technique adopted by the translator in each particular case. Based on the conceptual metaphor theory, this paper sorts out some epithets in the 1958 Russian translation of “A Dream of Red Mansions,” explores the formation mechanism of epithet metaphor in the combination of literary and cultural contexts, and puts forward corresponding translation strategies for different interpretations of metaphor in different cultural contexts. The originality of research consists, first, in examining both personal names and nicknames and, second, in evaluating each technique employed by the translator in the light of both the linguo-cultural and text-centered approaches.

Exploring the Effect of ChatGPT on the Translation of Poetry in Literary Works: A Case Study of the David Hawkes Translation of A Dream of Red Mansions

Exploring the Effect of ChatGPT on the Translation of Poetry in Literary Works: A Case Study of the David Hawkes Translation of A Dream of Red Mansions

Analyzing the Characters in the Dream of the Red Mansion and Jane Eyre from the Perspective of Feminism

Feminism not only has many manifestations in theory but also in practical life. This paper explores feminism from the perspective of literary works from both East and West. In the East, although feminism was influenced very late, it began to sprout as early as the feudal society. The feminism of this period was closed, not bold, and oppressive. Cao Xueqin's "Dream of the Red Chamber" can become an encyclopedia of Chinese feudal society. Feminism is manifested in all aspects here. When China was in a backward feudal period, Western societies such as Britain and France had already begun a vigorous bourgeois revolution. Women are already openly and boldly fighting for democracy, freedom, and liberation. British writer Charlotte Bronte, influenced by the idea of compromise and combining her own personal experience, wrote the masterpiece Jane Eyre. This paper analyzed the characters in Dream of the Red Mansion and Jane Eyre from the perspective of feminism.

Translation Studies from a Cross-Cultural Perspective: Reinventing Subjectivity—A Case Study of English Translation of A Dream of Red Mansions

Translation Studies from a Cross-Cultural Perspective: Reinventing Subjectivity—A Case Study of English Translation of A Dream of Red Mansions

Analysis of A Dream of Red Mansions Character Dialogue based on Speech Act Theory

Based on the speech act theory of J·L·Austin and J·R ·Searle, this paper takes some dialogues in Luo Guanzhong’s A Dream of Red Mansions as the research object, and analyzes the dialogues of the characters in the novel from the two dimensions of direct speech act and introduction speech act, so as to understand the implied meaning of the characters in the novel, the connotation and value of the work more deeply, which is helpful for readers to better understand the plot and character characteristics of A Dream of Red Mansions.

A comparative study of symbols between A Dream of Red Mansions and The Scarlet Letter

A comparative study of symbols between A Dream of Red Mansions and The Scarlet Letter

Portraying Class and Power: Master-servant Relationships in A Dream in Red Mansions and Downton Abbey

Portraying Class and Power: Master-servant Relationships in <i>A Dream in Red Mansions</i> and <i>Downton Abbey</i>

An Analysis of Jia Tanchun’s “Three Talents” Character Image in the English Translation of Dream of the Red Mansions—Based on David Hawkes’s and Yang Xianyi’s Versions

The current study aims to analyze the characterization of Jia Tanchun in English versions of Dream of the Red Chamber translated by David Hawkes and Yang Xianyi. As an important character in Dream of the Red Chamber, Jia Tanchun’s image may differ in different English translations. By comparing and analyzing the translations of the two versions, this study reveals the ways in which different translations portray the character of Jia Tanchun and the cultural factors involved. By analyzing the translated texts about Jia Tanchun in the two versions, the current study finds that in Hawkes’s translation, the image of Jia Tanchun is endowed with a kind of wisdom, calmness and thoughtfulness, while Yang Xianyi’s translation highlights Jia Tanchun’s boldness, passion and adventurousness more. This may stem from the differences in the translators’ understanding of the original image of Jia Tanchun, as well as the influence of translation style and cultural background. In the process of translation, the characterization of Jia Tanchun’s “three talents” has attracted much attention. Based on the two versions, this study analyzes Jia Tanchun’s talents in management, learning and handling. The characterization of Jia Tanchun’s “three talents” is comprehensively presented in Hawkes’s and Yang Xianyi’s translations. Additionally, this study provides a new perspective for the translation of Dream of the Red Chamber and calls on translators to emphasize the shaping and expression of the characters in the process of translation and convey the rich connotation of the original. Meanwhile, readers should also keep an open and comparative mind when reading different translations to understand the work from multiple perspectives.

A study on the translation strategies of ancient Chinese cultural classics from the perspective of hypotaxis and parataxis--taking the A Dream of Red Mansions as an example

Translation serves as a bridge for telling Chinese stories and promotes the exchange of Chinese and foreign civilizations. By translating Chinese classics into foreign languages, it facilitates the international dissemination of Chinese culture and deepens the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations. As the first of China's four great classical novels, A Dream of Red Mansions is widely recognized for its literary value and achievements by scholars worldwide. From the early 19th century to the present, there have been over 100 translations into more than 30 languages. A Dream of Red Mansions represents the pinnacle of classical Chinese literature, involving complex terminology from various fields. In addition to translating ancient titles and food in the text, there are also extensive translations of ancient poems, all of which pose focal points and challenges in translation. By comparing various translations, this paper takes Hawkes' translation as an example to analyze the differences between English and Chinese in the translation of A Dream of Red Mansions from the perspectives of hypotaxis and parataxis, and expound the translation strategies in this type of translation.

A Comparative Study on the Translation Effects of Material Culture-Loaded Words by ChatGPT —Taking Yang Xianyi’s Translation of &lt;i&gt;A Dream in Red Mansions&lt;/i&gt; as an Example

A Comparative Study on the Translation Effects of Material Culture-Loaded Words by ChatGPT —Taking Yang Xianyi’s Translation of &lt;i&gt;A Dream in Red Mansions&lt;/i&gt; as an Example

A Study on the Space Aesthetics of “Only a Dream of Red Mansions∙City of Drama Fantasy” under Deleuze’s “Nomadic” Theory

A Study on the Space Aesthetics of “Only a Dream of Red Mansions∙City of Drama Fantasy” under Deleuze’s “Nomadic” Theory

Research on the Integrated Model of “Theme Park + Dramatic Art”—Taking “Only Dream of Red Mansions: Theatrical Fantasy City” as an Example

Research on the Integrated Model of “Theme Park + Dramatic Art”—Taking “Only Dream of Red Mansions: Theatrical Fantasy City” as an Example

On the English Translation and Overseas Publicity of Taoism in &lt;i&gt;A Dream of Red Mansions&lt;/i&gt;—Exemplified by the English Version by David Hawkes

On the English Translation and Overseas Publicity of Taoism in &lt;i&gt;A Dream of Red Mansions&lt;/i&gt;—Exemplified by the English Version by David Hawkes