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4.1.1 Transposition

Chesterman used this term to denote any change in words, such as from noun to verb, from adjective to adverb. Ye Zinan (2007), a famous translator, mentioned that translation skills must be taught in basic translation teaching, and among them, lexical conversion (transposition) is indispensable (Ye, 2007: 52). Since English and Chinese belong to different language structure systems, there are great differences in syntax. If it is strictly restricted by the lexicality of the source text, the readability of the translation will be lost, making it boring and inflexible. On the contrary, proper transposition can enable the translator to break the bondage of lexicality and make the translation well conform to the linguistic norms and discourse traditions of the target language, which greatly improves the readability and acceptability of the translation and makes the translation meet the expectations of the target language readers. 

Chapter 5 Conclusion

5.1 The Main Research Results

Initially, this report presents a review of the development of translation norm theory and then explicates Chesterman’s translation norm theory and its influence on translation. The use of syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic translation strategies to tackle issues of social science text is illustrated through case studies. The translator discusses the specific translation strategies employed to fulfill each norm within the Chesterman’s translation norm theory framework, which includes expectancy, accountability, communication, and relation norms. The translation of The Shadow System, Mass Incarceration, and the American Family provides a starting point to analyze the application of particular translation strategies, and the positive impact of various strategies in different translation cases is examined, along with the key points and difficulties encountered in the translation process. 

The study shows that Chesterman’s translation norm theory has a guiding effect on text translation, and that both expectancy norm and professional norms have an impact on the translator’s decision-making process. This is reflected in the influence of expectancy norm on the acceptability of the translation and the overall textual style, as well as the constraints of accountability norm, communication norm and relation norm on the translator’s decision-making process. Expectancy norm requires the translator to pay attention to the readability and acceptability of the overall translation. The accountability norm requires translators to be responsible and faithful to themselves, the authors and the readers. Communication norm makes the translator define his or her role in the communicative process. Relation norm influences the translator’s control over the structure and features of the translation. Chesterman’s translation norm theory motivates the translator to choose the correct translation skills, which leads to a more fluent and authentic translation. Translation strategies are purpose-oriented and problem-centered, which are the ways for translators to follow the translation norms and the ways for translation norms to be realized in translation.