文化翻译理论下《第七天》的社会意象英译研究

A Study on the English Translation of Social Imagery in The Seventh Day from the Perspective of Cultural Translation Theory

摘要: 通过对小说中典型社会意象的分析，结合苏珊·巴斯奈特的文化翻译观，分析译者如何实现文化功能等值及其对目标语读者的影响。通过文本分析法，研究《第七天》中社会意象的英译策略，揭示其在促进文化交流与传播中的价值。研究发现，在巴斯奈特理论指导下，译者白亚仁不仅保留了原作的文化特色，还通过创新词汇和表达方式，在目标语文化中产生了独特的审美体验。这种翻译策略不仅忠实于原文，而且适应了英语读者的文化背景和阅读习惯，实现了文化功能上的等值。本研究的结论强调了文化翻译理论在跨文化文学作品翻译中的实践意义，为推动中国文学走向世界提供了有效的方法论支持。

Abstract: By analyzing typical social imagery in the novel and integrating Susan Bassnett’s concept of cultural translation, this study examines how translators achieve cultural functional equivalence and its impact on target-language readers. Using textual analysis, the research investigates the translation strategies employed for social imagery in the English version of The Seventh Day, revealing their value in facilitating cultural exchange and dissemination. The findings indicate that, guided by Bassnett’s theory, translator Allan Barr not only preserves the original work’s cultural distinctiveness but also generates unique aesthetic experiences in the target culture through innovative lexical choices and expressive techniques. This translation approach remains faithful to the source text while adapting to the cultural context and reading conventions of English-speaking audiences, thereby achieving functional equivalence at the cultural level. The study concludes by emphasizing the practical significance of cultural translation theory in translating cross-cultural literary works, offering effective methodological support for promoting Chinese literature to a global audience.