浅析近代时事新闻翻译问题 = A STUDY OF TRANSLATIONAL ISSUES IN SELECTED CONTEMPORARY JOURNALISTIC REPORTS

Abstract

Translation of journalistic reports is rather distinctive from literary translation as different methods are being practiced, most notably the practice of translating only the identified important information of certain news in source language. The social frameworks and cultural background of a translator play a significant role in selecting English news to be translated into Chinese news in Taiwan and China. These two elements will have a profound effect in shaping translators views during the process of translating journalistic reports, as compared to literary translation. As a result, translators are perceived to be more self- expressive and likely to convey one's opinion in translation works. The purpose of this thesis is to prove the existence and effect of the cultural background and social frameworks on translators by examining the contemporary journalistic reports focusing on President Barack Obama, in order to review the concept of subjectivity of translator. The hypothesis is translators are inclined to use various editorial methods and translational techniques to present the news in a way which suits their own cultural and personal beliefs, especially in economic and political news. Based on the concept of translator's subjectivity, we will then discuss the autonomy and freedom given to translators in news translating which would eventually result in breaching established conventions in English-Chinese translation, for example the translation of English names into Chinese. In this case, we are going to explore the chaos caused by translators in Taiwan and China for not following the conventions. The article will then give suggestions to improve on this particular situation.