introduction

This article introduces the concept, function, and classification of hedging, and points out that there is relatively little research on the use of hedging in the field of translation, especially in literary works. The vague restrictive language "some" in "Dream of the Red Chamber" is a difficult point in translation, and this article aims to explore its English translation strategy.

Theoretical Basis and Corpus

Based on the theory of conversational implicature, this paper explores the English translation strategies of the vague restrictive phrase "some" in "Dream of the Red Chamber". The theory of conversational implicature was proposed by Grice, which includes the principle of cooperation and its four criteria, such as the criterion of quantity and the criterion of manner. Speakers may convey implied meanings by violating these guidelines. The study analyzed whether the use of "some" in the original text violates the principle of cooperation, generates conversational implicature, and how the translator conveys these meanings. The study utilized the Chinese English parallel corpus of "Dream of the Red Chamber" developed by Shaoxing University of Arts and Sciences, including translations by Yang Xianyi, Dai Naidie, and Hawkes. Yang Xianyi and Dai Naidie's translations use conservative literal translation, while Hawkes' translation uses domestication and free translation. The study screened out demonstrative pronouns and retrieved 2058 sentences containing "some". The two meanings of "some" were analyzed, namely, indicating indefinite quantity and the degree of comparison after adjectives. The translation strategies of using vague translation and precise translation in Yang Xianyi and Dai Naidie's translations were discussed.

Translate ambiguity into vagueness

This paper explores the English translation strategies of the vague restrictive language "some" in "Dream of the Red Chamber", including literal translation, literal translation, and substitution. The literal translation method maintains the original content and form, and is suitable for situations where "some" represents an indefinite quantity or degree, as well as for comparison, by using corresponding English vocabulary or changing the singular and plural forms of nouns. The positive and negative translation method uses reverse thinking to convert affirmative statements in the original text into negative statements in the translated text, faithfully adhering to the original text while conforming to the habits of the target language, but retaining linguistic ambiguity. The substitution method uses non equivalent words to express the same vague concepts, partially modifies the meaning of the original text, replaces "some" with variable fuzzy restrictive language, respects the conversational meaning of the original text, and achieves communicative function. These strategies help to convey the ambiguity and conversational meaning of the original text between different languages, improving translation quality and effectiveness.

Translate accurately and vaguely

This paper explores the English translation strategies of the vague restrictive phrase "some" in "Dream of the Red Chamber", mainly through two methods: free translation and omission. Free translation changes the expression form of the original text, preserving the content while making the translation more flexible and natural. For example, in Example 8, the phrase 'the heart that hurts Daiyu is worse than before' is translated to preserve Daiyu's face while adhering to the principle of politeness. Examples 9 and 10 demonstrate the flexibility of free translation in handling different identity relationships, conveying the intention of the original text while avoiding direct offense. Examples 11 and 12 clarify the ambiguous expressions in the original text through free translation, making the translation clearer. Provincial translation refers to omitting and not translating the "some" in the original text when they have no practical meaning, such as in examples 13 and 14, to avoid ambiguity while maintaining the intention and emotion of the original text. When using these two strategies, translators need to consider conversational implicature, cultural background, politeness principles, and hierarchy of authority to achieve accurate, natural, and polite translation results.

conclusion

Based on the theory of conversational implicature, this paper analyzes the English translation strategies of the vague restrictive phrase "some" in "Dream of the Red Chamber". Research has found that Yang Xianyi and Dai Naidie mainly use two methods: translating ambiguity with ambiguity and translating ambiguity with precision. Fuzzy translation includes literal translation, literal translation, reverse translation, and substitution, preserving the ambiguity of language and respecting the conversational meaning of the original work. To clarify or eliminate ambiguous expressions accurately, free translation and omission are used. Translators need to balance the principles of cooperation and politeness when translating, ensuring that the translation can convey the conversational meaning of the original text, preserve the social relationship between the communicators, and achieve the communicative purpose.