免费英语论文范文(15)
By compensation, we mean that the translator can make up for the loss of meaning, emotional force, or stylistic effect by using some other devices in the target text. For instance,by introducing a rhymed non-pun in the target text, the loss of punning can be compensated to a certain degree. Besides, using different modes of representation(e.g. replacing words with pictures)also provides a translator with possible means to realize the function of persuasion in the target text. However, this must be on the condition that these new devices should be equally relevant to the target text reader,namely, it can produce enough positive contextual effects without expending his/her gratuitous processing effort. Eg. More Time for Time.
Version A: 想要争取时间就要阅读时代杂志。
Version B: 想要争取时间吗?阅读时代杂志吧! [7]
In this advertisement for Time magazine, the word “Time” has two meanings: the first refers to “the period at one’s disposal” and the second “the name of the magazine” . Since in Chinese there is no similar word that can express the double meaning in the original, the original pun can’t be preserved. So in case the linguistic features in the original can’t be preserved, we can compensate for the loss through other devices. In this example, we can adopt the rhetorical question like the one in Version B. In this way,the translator can raise the reader’s attention while at the same time avoid “following the beaten track”. Generally, a question is attention-grabbing as it “compels” the reader to think more about the subject in question，for instance, “why it is so?”. A rhetorical question sounds like that the advertiser is offering help to the reader, and therefore the latter is more likely to be well received. In addition, in a rhetorical question, the question-answer pattern often implies that the “answer” is true，as in this advertisement it is suggestive of such assumptions as “reading Time really helps you save your time”, and naturally it appeals to the reader. Therefore, compared with “Version A”, which is a declarative sentence, better result can be achieved through compensation in “Version B” . Eg. OIC. Translation: 哇，我看见了!
