We all agree that translation is cross-cultural communication, which is not only the linguistic transfer but also cultural exchange. Translation is the exploration of an unbridgeable gap and of a tension between cultures, and its function is to develop cross-cultural communication and bridge the gap. Moreover, no translators could afford to neglect lots of striking differences between the two languages, namely English and Chinese. In this essay, the author will explore the impact of the sharp contrast between English and Chinese on translation from two perspectives as follows: Linguistic forms and cultural differences. In terms of linguistic forms, English is subject-prominent、hypotaxis、 agglutinating、pitch language, whereas Chinese is topic-prominent、 parataxis、isolating、tone language. Furthermore, they also differ a lot in word order and syntactic structures. As for different way of thinking, Eastern thinking patterns are characterized by entirety、synthesis、 specificity and parataxis. Conversely, when it come to the westerners, analysis、logic、abstractness、linear-thinking come first.
Ⅰ. Introduction
Ⅱ. Differences in Linguistic Forms
Ⅲ. Cultural differences
Ⅳ. Conclusion
Notes
Works Cited