Literature Review

The study of Chinese and English idioms and their translation is an old topic, and lots of studies and researches have been done by scholars both home and abroad.

Among these studies and researches, quite a few scholars show great interest in cultural differences between Chinese and English idioms. For example, Zhang (2003) put forwards that there are four aspects in cultural differences between Chinese and English idioms ① differences of geographical conditions, ② differences of cultural backgrounds, ③ differences of customs and traditions, ④ differences of religious beliefs. Other scholars have also summarized the four aspects, though with different examples, such as Zhao (2006), Jiang (2011), Meng (2012) Huang amp; Xiao (2012). Huang amp; Xiao (2012) also summarize another aspect that is differences in values. They point out that western culture gives priority to individual values and advocates individualism, while Chinese pays much attention to collectivism.

As to translation, earlier in Tang dynasty, an eminent monk named Xuanzang set criteria for translation by putting forward that a good translation should be both faithful to the original and intelligible to the public. Later in the end of 19 century, Yanfu came up with the translation standard: faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance. After the may 4th Movement, Lu Xun presented faithfulness and smoothness to be the translation criteria. When it comes to foreign experts, Eugene A. Nida, an American famous translator, put forward functional equivalence and dynamic equivalence. In the end of 18th century, Alexander Fraser Tyler laid down that a translation should give a complete transcript idea of the same character of the original.

Based on these translation principles, many translators discussed the translation of idioms in their works, such as Newmark (1981) points out that idioms should never be translated word for word. Nida and Taber (1969) propose three translation strategies for idioms:① Translating idioms with non- idioms ② Translating idioms with idioms③ Translating non- idioms with idioms. Baker (1992) suggests several translation strategies, such as ① Using an idiom of similar meaning and form of source language one. ② Using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form of source language idiom.③ Translation by paraphrase ④ Translation by omission ⑤ The use of a superordinate (translation by a more general word). ⑥ Using Loanword. Zhang (2002) discusses literal translation, the approach of borrowing between Chinese synonymous idiom and transliteration. Wu (2010) concludes that there are four skills to translate Chinese and English idioms ① literal translation or literal translation with annotation, ② free translation, ③ literal translation plus free translation, ④ the approach of borrowing. Ren and Yan (2007) also summarize the four skills and present more three skills: Omission, Addition, and Avoiding using vulgar languages.

Many other scholars study both cultural differences between Chinese and English idioms and their translation. Such as Xiao (2006), Zhao (2006), Ren amp; Yan (2007), You (2007) and Yue (2012). However I found that their summery are not complete, because each them just give us several aspects of cultural differences and skills of translation. So I intended to study and summarize the differences and skills as complete as possible based on the materials I have found and the knowledge I have learnt.