A Comparative Study of Two Chinese Translated Versions of The Celtic Twilight from the Perspective of Cultural Transmission

Abstract

Since the 1980s, cultural communication has kept gaining attention in translation studies. Due to cultural disparities, even translators with high cultural literacy may adopt different strategies in their translation process. Based on the principle of cultural transmission, this paper makes a comparative study of two Chinese translated versions of The Celtic Twilight by Yin Gao and Tian Weihua respectively, analyzing what strategies they have applied in translating the Irish language, religious concept, toponym, and sports. This paper finds that the combination of transliteration and annotation is preferred when the Irish language is translated. Translators can employ accurate free translation and literal translation when translating religious figures. They can also adopt free translation or literal translation according to specific contexts when translating religious terms. Transliteration coordinated with annotation or free translation coordinated with annotation is applicable when toponyms are translated, and literal translation under the accurate historical context is helpful when sports are translated. These strategies can assist translators to deliver more Irish cultural elements in an easily understandable way.