功能对等理论视角下的粤绣文化负载词英译策略研究

A Study on English Translation Strategies for Culture-Loaded Words in Cantonese Embroidery from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory

As one of the four major schools of Chinese embroidery, Cantonese embroidery (Yuexiu) embodies the unique values of Lingnan regional culture and folk aesthetics. Its linguistic system contains a wealth of culture-loaded words, which encapsulate profound historical memory, ethical concepts, and artistic symbolism. However, these terms often face dual challenges of semantic and cultural gaps in cross-cultural communication. Guided by Nida’s theory of functional equivalence, this paper explores the English translation strategies of culture-loaded words in Cantonese embroidery, categorizing them into four types: literal translation, free translation, transliteration, and literal translation with annotation. The study argues that translators should fully recognize the importance of culture in translation, balance the transmission of cultural information in the source text with the comprehension needs of the target audience, and flexibly choose appropriate strategies based on different contexts. Through translation practice from the perspective of functional equivalence, the cultural essence of Cantonese embroidery can be more accurately and effectively disseminated internationally, thereby promoting cross-cultural communication and overseas recognition of China’s outstanding traditional culture.

粤绣作为中国四大名绣之一，承载着岭南地域文化与民间审美的独特价值，其语言体系中包含大量文化负载词。这类词汇凝练了深厚的历史记忆、伦理观念和艺术象征，但在跨文化传播中往往面临语义与文化空缺的双重挑战。本文以奈达的功能对等理论为指导，探讨粤绣文化负载词的英译策略，并将其归纳为直译、意译、音译及直译加注四类。研究认为，译者在处理粤绣特色词汇时，应充分认识文化在翻译中的重要性，兼顾原文文化信息的传递与目标读者的理解需求，并根据不同语境灵活选择相应策略。通过在功能对等理论视角下的翻译实践，粤绣文化得以在国际范围内更为准确和有效地传播，从而推动中华优秀传统文化的跨文化交流与海外认知。