Take a simple example of the translating of such a culture-specific Chinese word “旗袍” into the English language. Suppose this translating took place decades ago and the English-speaking reader had no idea about what “旗袍” was. The translator would put it into “qipao” as an English equivalent by means of Zero Translation (transliteration in this case) owing to the difference of the material culture between the Chinese and English-speaking people. Here the equivalence between “旗袍” and “qipao” comes under the second category mentioned above since the reader might still have a very vague idea of what “旗袍” was even after reading a possible footnote. However, nowadays, we may rest assured that the English-speaking people know well about what “qipao” is as they have been very familiar with this kind of Chinese dress thanks to the frequent and in-depth cultural exchanges or other factors such as the advancement of human science and technology. So it sometimes takes time and other activities outside the scope of translation, in addition to the act of translating, to drive home to the reader the truth of the ST such as “旗袍”. (By the way, the translation works proper help to promote cultural exchanges.) Until at this stage could we say equivalence, i.e. the third category under discussion, is fully achieved.
ⅤConclusion
Reflection on equivalence in translation helps to deepen our understanding of the nature of translation. Equivalence, constructed at the abstract level, is thus a rather necessary and important term in the field of translation studies. Theoretically, equivalence is attainable; and equivalence usually takes the form of different sub-categories that are realized at different layers or aspects of translation, which is why this term usually goes together with a modifier. Certainly, nothing but the abundant practice of translating and the study of the concrete problems occurring in translation would suffice for a theory relating to equivalence. All in all, equivalence is at least a functional and effective term for us to describe and analyze translation or to tolerate the fierce controversy in this field and find a way out of the awkward dilemmas in the practical translating that would otherwise keep unresolved. To put it another way, the theory on equivalence actually did, do or will do offer us a theoretical basis to verify the variety of translation methods adopted.
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