An Analysis of Socio-Cultural Characteristics in Chinese-English Translation of Metaphoric Expressions

摘要

This paper analyzes metaphoric expressions in Chinese political texts and their English corresponding translations to signify social-cultural characteristics' influence on metaphor translation and how cultural obstacles are overcome in metaphor translation. The analysis proves that in order to overcome cultural barriers in Chinese-English metaphor translation, translators must play their role in bridging cultures of the source text and the target text by employing specific translation methods, such as changing the images, adding "As a Chinese saying goes" to the literal meaning of the metaphor and using descriptive expressions. This paper highlights the importance of socio-cultural characteristics in Chinese-English metaphor translation and provide translators with a new train of thought.