《论语》第一章文化负载词的英译策略分析——以森舸澜英译本为例

Analysis of Translation Strategies for Culturally Loaded Words in Chapter One of the Analects—A Case Study of Edward Slingerland’s English Translation

摘要: 《论语》作为儒家经典，其文化负载词的翻译在跨文化传播中至关重要。本文以森舸澜(Edward Slingerland)英译本Analects with Selections from Traditional Commentaries第一章为中心，采用文本分析法，结合Venuti的归化与异化理论，通过与理雅各(James Legge)译本的比较，分析森舸澜在人名、物质、思想和社会生活文化负载词翻译中的归化策略及注释运用。研究发现，森舸澜通过归化降低西方读者理解门槛，辅以注释传递文化内涵，有效传达儒家思想核心；但在思想文化负载词(如“仁”)上存在简化倾向，未能充分展现其多维内涵。对比Legge译本凸显森舸澜的现代性与局限。本文探讨译者文化立场对翻译效果的影响，提出归化与异化动态结合的建议，为儒家经典的跨文化翻译提供参考。

Abstract: As a cornerstone of Confucian philosophy, the Analects poses significant challenges in translating its culturally loaded words for cross-cultural communication. Focusing on Edward Slingerland’s English translation of Chapter One, this study employs textual analysis and Venuti’s domestication and foreignization theories, comparing it with James Legge’s translation to examine Slingerland’s strategies for translating culturally loaded words related to personal names, material culture, philosophical concepts, and social life. Findings reveal that Slingerland’s domestication strategy enhances accessibility for Western readers, supplemented by annotations to convey cultural nuances, effectively communicating Confucian values. However, translations of philosophical terms like “ren” tend to oversimplify their multidimensional meanings. The comparison with Legge’s translation highlights Slingerland’s modernity and limitations. This paper explores the influence of the translator’s cultural stance and suggests a dynamic balance between domestication and foreignization, offering insights for translating Confucian classics.