Domestication or Foreignization?
A Dilemma in Translation Theory
ABSTRACT
In the theory of translation, there are many strategies and methods, among which, domestication and foreignization are the most frequently used ones. Choosing domestication or foreignization is a heated topic in the field of translation, about which many translators are fond of arguing. They hold their own opinions about these two strategies, some of whom choose foreignization and some advocate domestication. Perhaps the best strategy is to take foreignization first, and then domestication, because foreignization is in line with cultural differences between Chinese and English, and the exchange of the different cultural elements could enrich each other. Language is the carrier of culture. The essence of translation is to understand and study the foreign culture through the translation of foreign language. “Domestication Strategy” was preferred in the 20th century, but the history will come to “Foreignization Strategy”. In this paper, examples are given on the translation of menus、literary works、allusions and idioms and advertisements to support this idea. We should apply foreignization as much as possible, but sometimes it will cause misunderstanding. At that time, we need domestication. Applying foreignization doesn’t mean abandoning domestication. These two methods are both useful and important. They come forward side by side and compensate each other.
Key words: translation theory domestication foreignization
CONTENTS
ABSTRACT I
摘要 II
1. Introduction 1
2. Translation Theory 2
2.1 Newmark 2
2.2 Shiyab 2
2.3 Toury 3
3. Domestication and Foreignization 5
4. Foreignization First, Domestication Second 7
4.1 Advantages of Foreignization 8
4.2 Foreignizing of Chinese Menus 8
4.2.1 Literal Translation plus Explanation 8
4.2.2 Zero Translation or Zero Translation plus Note 9
4.3 Foreignizing Translation of Literary Works 9
4.3.1 Foreignizing Translation of the Titles 9
4.3.2 Foreignizing Translation of People Names in the Literary Works 10
4.4 Foreignizing Translation of Allusions and Idioms 11
4.5 Foreignizing Translation of Advertisements 12
4.6 Domestication as an Aid 13
4.7 The Purpose and Significance of Foreignization 13
5. Conclusion 15
References 16
Acknowledgements 17
