On Translation of Verses in Sanyan from the Perspective of Translation as Adaptation and Selection

摘要

Verse, frequently seen in Chinese literary works, is a significant component of huaben novels. As a representative masterpiece of vernacular short stories, Sanyan is no exception, and many rhythmical verses have been used and become a prominent feature. The present paper studies the translation of verses in Sanyan by Shuhui Yang and Yunqin Yang from the perspective of Translation as Adaptation and Selection. The study finds that the Yang have made active adaptation to the textual and non-textual eco-environment, which makes it possible for this translational activity to take place. The two translators have also achieved three-dimensional transformation by making adaptive selections. Since the translational eco-environment is dynamic, the strategies or skills adopted by the translators are flexible. All in all, the Yang, while guaranteeing the semantic loyalty to the source verse, tries to reproduce the form and deliver the cultures by adding endnotes so as to realize the communicative purpose.