Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background and Significance of the Study-1

1.2 Structure of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Transmission of Culture in Translation-3

2.2 Previous Study on the Translation of Nicknames-3

Chapter Three Nicknames in Shui Hu Zhuan-5

3.1 Subjects of Nicknames-5

3.1.1 Physical Features-5

3.1.2 Personal Characteristics-5

3.1.3 Social Status-5

3.1.4 Historical People-6

3.2 Culture Loaded in Nicknames-6

3.2.1 Culture about Animals-6

3.2.2 Culture about Chinese Ancient Legends-7

3.2.3 Culture about Historical Personage-7

Chapter Four Buck’s Translation Dealing with Nicknames in All Men Are Brothers-9

4.1 Translation Strategies Adopted by Buck-9

4.1.1 Foreignization Translation-10

4.1.2 Domestication Translation-11

4.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Buck’s Translation-11

4.2.1 Successful Cultural Transmission in Translating-11

4.2.2 Some Points Open to Question-12

Chapter Five Conclusion-14

References-15

Abstract

In literary works, especially in fictions, nicknaming is a very expressive writing technique. The characters in the works will be more vivid by using nicknames, and also easy to be understood and memorized by readers. Shui Hu Zhuan is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature in which many nicknames are included. These nicknames come widely from their features, characteristics as well as their social statues. Although the sources of the nicknames are quite different, they are all rich in cultural connotations, which cause great difficulties to translation.

This thesis focuses on the translation of nicknames in literary works. On the basis of analyzing the characteristics of nicknames in Shui Hu Zhuan, the author discusses the rich culture involved in nicknames as well as the two translation strategies Pearl S. Buck adopts in her translation of Shui Hu Zhuan, foreignization and domestication, hoping to offer some help to translation lovers.

Key words: All Men Are Brothers  nickname  domestication and foreignization