A Discussion of Untranslatability of Poetry within the Framework of the Studies of Translating Chinese Classics into English

摘要

There is a strange phenomenon that the translated works of Chinese classics have not been enjoyed by a large readership abroad,stemming from the untranslatability of poetry,an inherent nature of poetry translation.It is argued with theoretical analyses coupled by case studies that linguistic untranslatability(including intralingual inequivalence,interlingual inequivalence),cultural untranslatability(intercultural inequivalence),translator's inadequacy and governmental or institutional translation briefs contribute to problem mentioned.It is hoped that once the factors influencing untranslatability of poetry is realized,translators'presumptuousness along with despondence can be lessened or even eradicated with a production of a better version free from overrepresentation or underrepresentation or misrepresentation of the originals.