Translation-oriented text analysis approach to English translation of dialect in Singapore Chinese literature : a case study of Shuang Kou Ding Yi Cun – Na Xie Nian Na Xie Shi

• Main Author: Leow, Hwei Chyi
• Other Authors: Cui Feng
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Humanities
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/72417
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This research paper looks at the English translation of dialect terms and expressions in the Chinese novel Shuang Kou Ding Yi Cun – Na Xie Nian Na Xie Shi by Singaporean writer Zhang Hui through the lens of Christiane Nord’s translation-oriented text analysis, and selects appropriate strategies for creating an English translation. In this paper, I set out to explore how the following questions can be answered by employing a source text-focused theoretical framework to generate target text that takes into consideration the needs of the target readers. How can the full flavours of dialect terms increasingly made redundant in the process of modernisation be preserved and appreciated by later generations? How should dialect terms be translated when they are less and less comprehensible to readers today? The source text is interpreted by identifying features that can best meet the requirements of the target situation, taking into consideration the communicative purpose of the target text. I will employ translation-oriented text analysis of the source text based on four elements from Nord’s list of intratextual factors that are relevant in the analysis of the present source text, namely subject matter, presuppositions, lexis and suprasegmental features. In particular, I will focus on dialect terms and expressions, including local human and place names, as well as vulgarities.I will also explore how culture-specific elements in relation to Malay are to be treated. Extratextual factors are briefly discussed, and revolve around questions pertaining to the author, target audience, method by which the text is communicated, place and time of text production and text reception, and purpose of the communication. These take into account the language and cultural barriers that exist between the author and his target readers. This paper demonstrates that an accurate translation depends not only on information about the language and culture, but also about the readers and contextual information. Keywords: Zhang Hui, Cheong Weng Yat, Singapore Chinese Literature, Dialect, Singapore Chinese Education, Singapore History, Singapore Culture, Malay, Magic Realism,Imagery, Christiane Nord, intratextual factors, extratextual factors