委婉语翻译的语域功能对等——以《红楼梦》两英译本为例.pdf

硕士学位论文硕士学位论文 委婉语翻译的语域功能对等委婉语翻译的语域功能对等 以以红楼梦两英译本红楼梦两英译本为例为例 学位类型学位类型 ： 学术型学位 学科（专业学位类别）学科（专业学位类别） ： 外国语言文学 作者姓名作者姓名 ： 贺靓娴 导 师 姓 名 及 职 称导 师 姓 名 及 职 称 ： 周文革 副教授 实践导师姓名及职称实践导师姓名及职称 ： 学院名称学院名称 ： 外国语学院 论文提交日期论文提交日期 ： 2013 年 6 月 6 日 密密 级级：公公 开开 中图分类号中图分类号：h315.9 委婉语翻译的语域功能对等委婉语翻译的语域功能对等 以以红楼梦两英译本红楼梦两英译本为例为例 学位类型学位类型 ： 学术型学位 学科（专业学位类别）学科（专业学位类别） ： 外国语言文学 作者姓名作者姓名 ： 贺靓娴 作者学号作者学号 ： 10011202006 导 师 姓 名 及 职 称导 师 姓 名 及 职 称 ： 周文革 副教授 实践导师姓名及职称实践导师姓名及职称 ： 学院名称学院名称 ： 外国语学院 论文提交日期论文提交日期 ： 2013 年 6 月 6 日 学位授予单位学位授予单位 ： 湖 南 科 技 大 学 register functional equivalence in c-e translation of euphemism: a case study of two english versions of hong loumeng by he liangxian a thesis in foreign language and literature submitted to the school of foreign studies of hunan university of science and technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts supervised by associate professor zhou wenge 2013 学位论文原创性声明学位论文原创性声明 本人郑重声明： 所呈交的论文是本人在导师的指导下独立进行研 究所取得的研究成果。除了文中特别加以标注引用的内容外，本论文 不包含任何其他个人或集体已经发表或撰写的成果作品。 对本文的研 究做出重要贡献的个人和集体，均已在文中以明确方式标明。本人完 全意识到本声明的法律后果由本人承担。 作者签名： 日期： 年 月 日 学位论文版权使用授权书学位论文版权使用授权书 本学位论文作者完全了解学校有关保留、使用学位论文的规定， 同意学校保留并向国家有关部门或机构送交论文的复印件和电子版， 允许论文被查阅和借阅。 本人授权湖南科技大学可以将本学位论文的 全部或部分内容编入有关数据库进行检索，可以采用影印、缩印或扫 描等复制手段保存和汇编本学位论文。 涉密论文按学校规定处理。 作者签名： 日期： 年 月 日 导师签名： 日期： 年 月 日 i acknowledgements i am very grateful to a number of people who have helped me in various ways to make this thesis possible. i would like to first express my appreciation to my supervisor, associate professor zhou wenge, whose guidance and insightful feedback have been greatly helpful in the writing of the thesis. in the past year, he has taken great pains to go through my thesis and provided me with invaluable suggestions. i am also indebted to other teachers who have taught me during i pursued my ma degree. they are prof. zeng yanyu, prof. liu jingmin, prof. meng jiangang, dr. zhang jinghua, professor wang jing, and professor zhang ruihong particularly. from them, i have learned professional knowledge and gained inspiration. my special thanks go to my best friends chen mi and zhan mingjuan who are always available when i need help or support. finally, i want to show my thanks to my classmates, friends and families who have given me help and support in the completion of this thesis. ii abstract as a universal language phenomenon in different cultures, the euphemism is a language expression of social culture, reflecting universality and the peculiarities in social development, values, ethics as well as nationality and the common nature of culture. with the broadening of social and intercultural communication, the employment of the euphemism is increasingly important. compared with its thriving importance, the relevant studies on euphemism translation are not satisfactory so far. it is necessary to deepen and systematize the studies on euphemism translation, so we can better broaden the research scope as well as enrich the relevant materials on euphemisms research. this study finds it is also meaningful and valid to apply this theory to analyze the euphemism translation, which is beneficial to it. most importantly, the register theory in systemic functional linguistics can explain not only the language of the text, but also the cultural and social factors influencing the text. this study is based upon the three variables in register theory to realize the register equivalence in euphemism translation. all the examples illustrated in the thesis are selected in the two english versions of hong loumeng. first, the thesis from the lexical level and sentence level, realizes the equivalence of field in euphemism translation, then realizes the equivalence of tenor in euphemism translation. this comes from the two aspects of speech style and purpose for speech using, and finally, it comes from the two aspects of spoken text and written text which realizes the equivalence of mode. the purpose of selecting of two english versions aims to make a thorough study of two english versions, then find which versions correspond more with the euphemisms register features in the original text. meanwhile, this study also lists some relative factors affecting the register functional equivalence in euphemism translation. therefore, we can find that discussing the euphemism translation from the perspective of register theory not only makes the relative study of register theory further developed, but also offers a new perspective for the study of euphemism translation. above all, this thesis is designed to stress the guidance and importance of analysis of the iii euphemism translation that register theory has contributed to, through the analysis of euphemism translation in two english versions of hong loumeng. the examples in the thesis cited from the hong loumeng not only display the characteristics of euphemism, but also demonstrate that register theory is also valid and applicable to analyze the euphemism translation. meanwhile, there are shortcomings which exist in this thesis. for example, just several examples are selected as the research objects, so we should give a deeper exploration of it in future study. the need to analyze the two english versions of hong loumeng to a greater degree is required. however, the workload would increase exponentially. consequently, this study is an active exploration not only for research inspiration, but also for enriching the euphemism translation. key words: register theory; register functional equivalence; euphemism translation; hong loumeng iv 中文摘要中文摘要 委婉语是一种普遍的语言文化现象，是社会文化领域的语言映射，从中可以折射出 社会发展的一般性和特殊性，社会价值观、道德观以及文化的民族性和共同性。随着社 会交往的不断深入，国际间的跨文化交际日益频繁，委婉语的使用也变得日渐重要，与 之相比，对委婉语翻译的研究尚显不足。为了扩大委婉语的研究视野，丰富委婉语的研 究素材，有必要将委婉语翻译结合具体理论进行系统化、深入化的分析和探讨。本研究 认为系统功能语言学同样适用于委婉语翻译的研究。 特别是系统功能语言学中的语域理 论，既能解释文本内语言现象，又能解释文本外文化和情景因素。 本研究选取最具代表性的两个英译版本，即红楼梦作为研究文本，运用系统功 能语言学中的语域三要素，来实现译本中委婉语翻译的语域对等。文章首先在实现委婉 语翻译的语场对等上是从词汇和句法两个层面来阐释的， 接着又从言语风格和言语使用 目的两个层面来反映委婉语翻译的语旨对等， 最后文章从口语与书面语两个层面实现委 婉语翻译的语式对等， 而选取两个英译版本的目的是通过对比研究两译本中的语言和语 言所折射出的文化内涵， 进而得出哪个译本更契合原文文本中委婉语的语域特征。 同时， 文章还列出了影响委婉语翻译语域功能对等的相关因素。因此，从语域理论视域下探讨 委婉语翻译不仅是对语域理论相关研究的进一步完善， 也是委婉语翻译研究的一个全新 视角。 本研究通过对红楼梦两英译本中委婉语翻译的分析，重在强调语域理论对委婉 语翻译研究的重要性和指导性。 文中引用的例证及其翻译不仅体现了委婉语及其翻译的 文体特色，也体现了语域理论用于分析委婉语翻译的可行性和有效性。同时，本研究也 存在一定的不足之处，例如研究中只选择了一些具有代表性的例子，还有大量委婉语需 进行研究，而且文中红楼梦两英译版本的分析具有一定复杂性，因此，工作量非常 大。希望本研究能作为一种积极的尝试，对今后该领域的研究有所启发，丰富委婉语的 研究。 关键词：关键词：语域理论；语域功能对等；委婉语翻译； 红楼梦 湖南科技大学硕士学位论文 contents acknowledgements . i abstract ii 中文摘要中文摘要 iv chapter one introduction 1 1.1 objectives of the research . 1 1.2 significance of the research 1 1.3 research contents 2 1.4 research methodology . 2 1.5 the structure of this thesis 3 chapter two overview of euphemism and register theory 5 2.1 brief introduction of euphemism 5 2.2 current studies on euphemism 6 2.2.1 studies abroad . 6 2.2.2 studies at home 7 2.3 register theory 9 2.3.1 the definition of register 10 2.3.2 three register variables 11 2.4 register variables and metafunctions of language . 12 2.5 register theory and translation 12 chapter three realization of register functional equivalence in euphemism translation . 17 3.1 equivalence in terms of field in euphemism translation 17 3.1.1 lexical level 17 3.1.1.1 special euphemisms in chinese 18 湖南科技大学硕士学位论文 3.1.1.2 euphemistic meaning in chinese . 22 3.1.2 sentence level . 24 3.1.2.1 short sentence 24 3.1.2.2 long sentence 25 3.2 equivalence in terms of tenor in euphemism translation . 25 3.2.1 speech style . 26 3.2.1.1 levels of politeness 26 3.2.1.2 levels of vagueness . 30 3.2.2 purpose for speech using 31 3.2.2.1 evasion of taboo 31 3.2.2.2 dissimulation . 32 3.3 equivalence in terms of mode in euphemism translation . 33 3.3.1 spoken text 33 3.3.2 written text 35 chapter four factors affecting the register functional equivalence in euphemism translation . 39 4.1 acceptability of language . 39 4.1.1 lexical choice 40 4.1.2 sentence structure 41 4.2 euphemizing of dialogue . 42 4.3 formality of text 43 conclusion . 47 bibliography . 49 湖南科技大学硕士学位论文 - 1 - chapter one introduction this part mainly elaborates from five aspects: objectives of the research, significance of the research, research contents, research methodology and the structure of this thesis. 1.1 objectives of the research euphemism, as a language variation phenomenon, it is one of the most important features that uses a relatively ambiguous and abstract concept or a relatively indirect way to talk about the taboos that are not suitable to speak. euphemism arises from language taboos. its existence is the universal characteristics of all languages. looking back on the history of euphemism research, linguists both at home and abroad have achieved outstanding results. during the 1970s and the 1980s, the sociolinguistics theories were introduced into china and euphemisms special social function has attracted domestic linguists attention. however, a larger number of published articles are mainly relates to the comparative studies of chinese-english euphemisms or english euphemisms. the study of chinese euphemisms is relatively weak. the article of “euphemism study: review and outlook” written by shu dingfang and xu jinyuan published in “foreign languages journal” in 1995. in this article, the authors summarized the euphemism studys history and current situation. the study of chinese euphemism can date back to ancient china. but it was merely done as a rhetorical style at that time, namely, as a partial research rather than systematic research. therefore, in order to gain a deep understanding of chinese euphemisms nature, writers were directed towards the weakness of existing research and try to discuss the euphemism translation from the perspective of register theory. 1.2 significance of the research euphemism is a polite language tool as well as a lubricating role in peoples daily life, which can promote the emotional communication between the people and help foster interpersonal relationships. in theory, this thesis enriches euphemisms research and linguistic chapter one introduction - 2 - theory through applied the three variables of register theory to realize register functional equivalence in euphemism translation. in practice, it can promote the rapid development of euphemism and enhance the ability of peoples speech communication through the detailed research of euphemisms. meanwhile, we also can deepen understanding of that era by analyzing euphemisms cultural connotation of hong loumeng. what is most important is that it can rely on euphemisms discussion and appreciate the euphemistic style of hong loumeng. 1.3 research contents euphemism is a universal language phenomenon and a cultural carrier, which often contains much information, such as religion, national history and moral principles etc. since ancient times chinese and foreign scholars have paid more attention to euphemism study, while the corresponding theoretical research related to euphemism translation has not been developed yet. in such situation, this essay regards euphemism translation as the target, puts it into the scope of register theory and tries to realize register equivalence from the perspective of three variables of register (field, tenor and mode), then the thesis attempts to conduct study and analysis of the two versions and sets forth some factors affecting the register functional equivalence in euphemism translation. main contents of this thesis: (1) register theory and euphemism translation: this study tries to select euphemism translation as the research subject, then to realize register functional equivalence from the perspective of three variables of register. (2) text analysis: by analyzing the translation of euphemism in two english versions of hong loumeng and reflecting the expression of the target text whether can be faithful to the content and style of the source text. 1.4 research methodology this study mainly adopts the literature method and the research method of case analysis. as for analysis of euphemism translation from the perspective of register theory, on one hand, seeking for relative data and writing evidence which related to register theory and euphemism, then to collect relative information and writing foundation. this conclusion is a process from specific to general as well as a method commonly used by scientific research. on the other hand, when the thesis investigates the euphemism translation, writers should conduct 湖南科技大学硕士学位论文 - 3 - introspective thinking and propose their views, the specific analysis to classical examples can consider problems more vividly and more dimensionally, thus the satisfactory answers are acquired. certainly, the literature method and the research method of case analysis cannot be separated because of the study of euphemism translation become more reasonable and scientific when the two methods are combined properly. besides, the method of comparative study can be applied to discuss euphemisms translation. euphemism is a universal language phenomenon, which exists in various languages of world, but different cultural traditions, customs and mode of thinking causes the different euphemistic object and euphemistic manner. about how to translate euphemism, only relies on the comparative study of euphemistic object and euphemistic manner in two different cultures can carry out the effective translation. 1.5 the structure of this thesis this thesis is composed of five chapters. chapter one gives an introduction of the objectives of the research, significance of the research, research contents, research methodology and the structure of this thesis. chapter two gives a brief introduction of euphemism and studies on euphemism at home and abroad. meanwhile, it also includes the introduction of register theory in functional linguistics, the relationship between the register variables and meta-functions of language and the relationship between the register theory and translation, which offers theoretical framework to the whole thesis. chapter three mainly discusses the register functional equivalence in euphemism translation from the perspective of three variables of register. in this chapter, firstly, the writer discusses the equivalence in terms of field in euphemism translation, which reflects in lexical level and sentence level, then the writer discusses the equivalence in terms of tenor in euphemism translation, which mainly studies on the two aspects of speech style and the purpose for speech using. finally, this thesis discusses the equivalence in terms of mode in euphemism translation, which reflects in spoken text and written text. meanwhile, this thesis conducts the euphemisms translation in two versions of hong loumeng about how to realize the register functional equivalence from the three aspects of field, tenor and mode. chapter one introduction - 4 - chapter four discusses the factors affecting the register functional equivalence. they are mainly reflected in three aspects: acceptability of language, euphemizing of dialogue, formality of text. the conclusion summarizes the main content of this thesis, proposes its limitations and looks forward to further research. 湖南科技大学硕士学位论文 - 5 - chapter two overview of euphemism and register theory this chapter gives a brief introduction of euphemism and offers a theoretical framework to the whole thesis. 2.1 brief introduction of euphemism the word of “euphemism” comes from the greek eu and pheme, the etymology of which means to speak with some good words in an agreeable manner. euphemizing is generally defined as “substituting an inoffensive or pleasant term for a more explicit, offensive one, thereby veneering the truth by using kind words”. (neaman secondly, as regards what part the language is playing; and thirdly, as regards who is taking part. these three variables, taken together, determine the range within which meanings are selected and the forms which are used for their expression. in other words, they determine the register.” (halliday, 1978: 31) in 1985, halliday further put forward the definition with hasan as the following way: 湖南科技大学硕士学位论文 - 11 - “a configuration of meanings that are typically associated with a particular situational configuration of field, mode, and tenor which must include the expressions, the lexico-grammatical and phonological features that typically accompany or realize these meanings” (halliday and hasan, 1985:39) 2.3.2 three register variables as mentioned above, the three dimensions of register have been referred to by halliday are field, the mode, and the tenor of discourse. eggins summed up as: “following the functional-semantic tradition pursued by firth, halliday finds the concept of register a useful abstraction linking variation of language to variations of social context and suggests that there are three aspects in any situation that have linguistic consequences: field, mode, and tenor.” (eggins, 1998:52) according to halliday, the three variables can be rendered as the following way: field refers to “what is happening, to the nature of the social action that is taking place”; mode concerns “what it is that the participants of a transaction are expecting language to do for them in that situation”; tenor has to do with who are taking part in the transaction as well as the “nature of the participants,their status and roles. (hasan and halliday, 1985:12) apart from hallidays view on these three variables, there are some arguments on their definition. take tenor for instance, canadian linguist gregory looks at the tenor of discourse as the consequences by the interaction between the language in use and the participants and this relations