ENGLISH IDIOMS: CULTURE AND TRANSLATION
--------------Wind Gu Sep. 2002
2.2 Paraphrase
Paraphrase is a way by which the original contents are preserved, but the forms are changed in the target language.
Eugene Nida said, “Translation consists in reproducing in the receptor language the closest natural equivalent of the source language message, first in terms of meaning and second in terms of style.”(Fan Yi, 193)
When idioms are metaphrased into the target language, readers still can’t grasp the meanings due to cultural difference. Thus paraphrase is needed to keep meanings to point, and keep connotation in line with the culture in the target language, though it may fail to show the original culture information. To many idioms with culture influence, it is a good way to convey the connotation of English idioms.
For example, when “skeleton in the cupboard” is literally translated into “衣柜里的骷髅”, Chinese readers may be impressed by the frightening scene without catching what it means, yet if paraphrased into “家丑”(family scandal),everyone can understand it.
The cases are the same with the following idioms:
A bed of roses 安乐窝 ( This translation gives much better ideas than 玫瑰床.)
To take French leave 不辞而别 (This translation gives much better ideas than 法国式分别.)
By hook and by crook 不择手段
(Readers will be puzzled at the meaning of the metaphrased translation 用镰刀和钩子.)
Flowing with milk and honey 富饶 ( This is easier to be accepted by the readers than 牛奶和蜂蜜遍地流.)
2.3 Metaphase adding a note
Note is needed if the meaning is still not completely understandable by the readers of the translation, which can be regarded as a paraphrase of the idiom.
Metaphrased translation for “crocodile’s tears” will be “鳄鱼泪”, which fails to convey the hidden meaning, and paraphrased translation will be “假悲伤”（insincere sorrow）, which loses the original vivid image. However when we put the two versions together and make it “鳄鱼泪, 假伤悲”, both images and meanings are kept to surely impress the readers most.
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