英汉姓名的文化内涵及其翻译

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英汉姓名的文化内涵及其翻译

[Abstract] As carriers of cultures, Chinese and English names are full of cultural connotations, and

result in cultural gap between English and Chinese. Personal names are not only symbols that

distinguish one person from others, but also social symbols. It is ―a mirror of culture‖. Through

comparative study on a

nation‘s history, religion, concepts of moral and value, we can see different cultural connotations

between English and Chinese names. And then suggest some translation principles and methods.

There are some similarities between English and Chinese names, such as totemism, consciousness

of root-seeking, specializing points. In Chinese names, we can find the culture of religious

concepts, Confucian-worship, hierarchy. And the religion, personal-orientation, individualism can

also be found in English names. In the translation of Chinese and English names, translators

should follow the pronunciation of the owner‘s language and adopt the established popular

translated names, use transliteration and paraphrase so as to reflect the real meaning of English

and Chinese names.

[Key Words] English names and Chinese names; cultural connotation; translation principle;

translation method

[摘 要] 姓名,作为一种文化载体,蕴涵着极其丰富的文化内涵,英汉姓名因而存在着巨大的文化差异。姓名不仅仅是一种简单的区别于他人的符号,它同时也代表一种社会文化现象,被喻为―文化的镜像‖。通过对英汉姓名的历史渊源,宗教信仰,价值观念等的对比研究,揭示出英汉姓名的深层文化内涵及社会文化因素的影响,进而对这种富载文化内涵的姓名的翻译提出翻译原则和翻译翻译方法。英汉文化的共性,如图腾崇拜,寻根意识,特指性,心理暗示等使英汉不同姓名的系统中出现一些类同的现象 。英汉文化内涵的差异,如中国的宗教观念,崇儒思想,等级制度等文化因素都可以从中国人的姓名中反映出来。而英语民族的宗教信仰,个人取向,强调个性也在英语姓名中有所反映。由于英汉姓名的文化差异,在翻译英汉姓名时应遵循―名从主人原则‖和―约定俗成原则‖,采取音译法和释义法,或者两者相结合,使人名的真实内涵得到体现。

[关键词] 英汉姓名;文化内涵;翻译原则;翻译方法

1.Introduction

Names are used by human beings and they are the signs for people to distinguish one person from

the others. They have some particular functions that no other signs can perform. They are not only

linguistic symbols, but also social symbols, representing relationship in societies and cultures.

―Each person has his name which distinguishes himself from other members in the community,

and each country has its own name system owing to their different historical and cultural

background‖. [1] P1 In a word, personal names are windows for people to see through different

cultures in different societies. For these reasons, the translation of Chinese and English names

should follow the pronunciation of the owner‘s country and adopt the established popular

translated names, use transliteration and paraphrase so as to reflect the real meaning of Chinese

and English names. 2.Relation between personal name and culture

Personal names are the products of the historical development of human society. They reflect the

ancient civilization and splendid cultures from different respects. The choice of name tells

something about human society and reflects the social culture. Therefore, the development of

personal names cannot be isolated from the social culture background. Names are the inseparable

part of culture and the inevitable outcome of cultural evolution. Like other linguistic phenomena

they play the role of carrier and propagator of cultures.

Culture influences every aspect of human social life and influences people‘s behavior. Personal

names are the outcome of people‘s behavior, so the influence of culture can be seen from the

changing of personal names. For example, ―in ancient China, ―龟‖ (gui, tortoise)was often used

as personal name which had good connotation of longevity. However, after Ming Dynasty, the

connotation of the character changed, which indicates a man whose wife is not loyal to him. Then

few people use ―龟‖ as personal names‖.[2] P2 In addition, personal names are restricted by

culture, for instance, Chinese people are greatly influenced by Confucianism, so obvious

proprieties can be seen in Chinese names. ―English people believe Christian and religious sense

can be found in their names‖.[3] P51 On the other hand, as a kind of social reality, personal names

exert its influence and action on societies and cultures. For example, the taboo on using the

personal names of emperors was formed under the influence of feudal hierardy culture. Once it

had been formed it began to restrict every aspect of people‘s life. In short, personal names and

culture influence restrict each other and act on each other. From personal names, people can see

the cultural similarity and difference in different society.

3. Comparative study between the two name systems

Every nation has its own history, during which it has shaped its own particular characteristics. As

a special social and linguistic phenomenon, names relate to cultures extensively and profoundly.

When we learn a foreign language and try to make effective communication, we must understand

its culture and need to know about names and naming, just as when we study a language we need