Keywords: Zhang Peiji; Prose translation; Translation principle
I. Introduction
With the evolution of literary concepts and the development of literary genres, the concept of prose is constantly changing. Prose poetry in a broad sense is different from verse and parallel prose, including all prose articles that do not rhyme or arrange antithetical sentences. However, in some historical periods, lyrical and memorable literary works such as novels are collectively called prose, which is different from poetry that emphasizes rhythm. Prose in a narrow sense refers to other literary works except novels, poems, plays and other literary genres. Nowadays, prose in the modern sense has turned all styles except poetry into prose.
Second, the characteristics of prose
1, the truth of prose
The truth of prose lies in language expression first, and it is true and straight to the point. Everything depends on the truth and directness of its true nature. It is not as subtle as poetry, and it does not need to pay attention to rhetoric techniques such as rhythm, images and symbols, nor does it need to pay attention to language skills like novels and dramas. The truth of prose is also reflected in emotion. Both lyric prose and narrative prose have the infiltration of true feelings and touching power. Someone once said, "Prose is the closest form for human beings to express themselves."
2. Prose dispersion
When I mention prose, I always think of a sentence: "The form is scattered but the spirit is not scattered." On the surface, the prose is mainly reflected in the unrestrained scope of material selection and the free and open form of expression. In the selection of materials, anything can be the writing content of prose; From the formal point of view, there is no standard requirement for structure and rhythm, and it can be narrated, lyrical and reasoned, and everything is left to its own devices.
3. The beauty of prose
It is generally believed that prose can also be called "beautiful prose". Its beauty is mainly reflected in its charm and artistic conception. The language of prose is simple, plain, smooth and natural, but once it is permeated with emotion, it can show its taste in plain. There is such a contrast: if poetry is a strange language, then prose is a popular language. (Hu Xianyao and Li Li, 2009: 178)
Third, the principles of prose translation
Prose translation, as its name implies, is to translate prose into different texts. In order to reproduce the style of the original, we must recognize the style characteristics of the original and understand its spirit, writing momentum and charm. Reproducing the charm of the original prose is not limited to the text level, but also involves the spiritual pursuit and artistic pursuit expressed in the original. In the field of English translation of China's prose, Zhang Peiji has the greatest influence. His translation involves dozens of modern and contemporary essayists in China, and he has a deep understanding and research on both Chinese and English. He is good at grasping the different characteristics of the two languages, paying attention to being faithful to the original text without sticking to it, and keeping consistent with the original text in conveying meaning and charm, which shows his good English-Chinese language and literature accomplishment and superb translation.
His translated sentences are short and pithy, the language is easy to understand, the language logic is clear, and the handling of cultural factors is quite safe. When he translated, he roughly used three principles:
1, the meaning of true representation of prose
The core of prose lies in lyricism, and the narration and reasoning of things are true and direct, which is the premise of accurately reproducing the translation consciousness of prose. This requires the translation to be equivalent to the original in meaning, form, interest and style. To do this, we need to interpret prose comprehensively and carefully. The interpretation of prose should not only be carried out in the subtle details such as the meaning, pronunciation and spelling of a single word, but also be designed to understand the connotation and extension, figurative meaning and symbolic meaning of words, and then understand the thematic meaning of sentences and texts. To reproduce the meaning of prose, we should give consideration to the content and form of prose. From the linguistic perspective, translation is from micro to macro, from words, words, sentences and texts to rhetoric, logic, style and theme, and reproduces the original intention with accurate and appropriate words. From the cultural perspective, translation must combine the social, historical, cultural and literary background of the original text and accurately reflect the meaning of the original text. (Hu Xianyao and Li Li, 2009: 182)
Teacher Zhang fully grasps the differences between English and Chinese words, and can grasp the connotation and meaning of words according to the context in translation, and then make corresponding changes accurately. In the process of translation, various means, such as adding words, subtracting words and adapting, have been adopted, and the meaning and aesthetic feeling of the original text have been well preserved. For example:
(1) Too much luggage. Before you go there, you must tip the porter. -"Talk about backbone"
There is quite a lot of luggage, and the cost of bargaining with porters.
According to the context of the article, Mr. Zhang translated the "tip" in this sentence into "fee" instead of "tip" Because this is not an extra service charge for porters, waiters, taxi drivers, etc. But the moving expenses paid to the moving workers, so the translation reflects the accuracy of its translation.
(2) Even if a person's temper is as fierce as a tiger or a wolf, I believe that if he lives by the sea for a long time, he will become as docile as a lamb. -Love in the sea
I believe that a grumpy person who stays at the seaside for a long time will become as docile as a lamb.
The phrase "as fierce as a tiger or a wolf" in this sentence, if literally translated as having the same fierce temperance as a tiger or a wolf, will make readers think that this person is fierce, then the author's meaning is wrongly conveyed in the translation process. Translating it with a terrible temper has produced very good results.
In short, accurately and truly reproducing the meaning of prose is the primary task of prose translation, but like other literary works, the meaning and form of prose are closely linked. Therefore, on the basis of grasping the meaning of the original text, adopting the appropriate target language form is also the key to prose translation.
2. Keep the form of prose appropriately.
Prose is free in material selection and open in form, but it does not mean that prose does not pay attention to form. It just doesn't pay attention to rhyme and meter like poetry, nor does it use special narrative means like novels. The beauty of prose is not only reflected in the artistic conception and interest, but also in the form of prose, including the rhythm and rhythm of prose, the choice of words and sentences, rhetorical devices and so on. If we neglect the form of the original text when translating prose, we will lose the beauty of the original text. The most obvious form of expression of prose is to express distinctive personality and style through prose words and expressions.
(1) Swallows have gone, but they will come again. Willow withered, there is a time to green again; The peach blossom withered, but it blossomed again. -"In a hurry"
If the swallows leave, they will come back. If willows wither, they will turn green again. Peach blossoms will bloom again after they have withered.