Abstract:

From the perspective of the adaptation and selection theory, David Pollard's translated version of Gui Youguang's Xiang Ji Xuan Zhi is analyzed. In order to produce the most integral, adaptative and selective translation, the translator makes adaptation and selection in terms of language, culture and communication. As for the adaptive transformation in terms of language, the translator employs a lot of impersonal subjects, and pays attention to the difference between hypotaxis and parataxis. As for the adaptive transformation in terms of culture, the translator chooses various translation strategies, such as free translation, interpretative translation, the addition of translator's commentary and so on. As for the adaptive transformation in terms of communication, the translator successfully reproduces the style of the source text, and conveys the beauty of language forms in the source text. The employment of these translation strategies improves the translation quality of the English version of Xiang Ji Xuan Zhi. After a detailed analysis, it is proved that the adaptation and selection theory can provide some guidance for the translation of Chinese classic proses.

Key words: translation strategy, adaptation and selection theory of translation, David Pollard, translation of Chinese classic proses, Xiang Ji Xuan Zhi