Equivalence in Translation: Balancing Act between Source and Target Cultures in Dream of the Red Chamber

Authors

  • Dandan Tian

    Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Subang Jaya Selangor, Malaysia
  • Muhammad Alif Redzuan bin Abdullah

    Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Subang Jaya Selangor, Malaysia
  • Ling Yann Wong

    Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Subang Jaya Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i3.6550
Received: 2 April 2024 | Revised: 25 April 2024 | Accepted: 6 May 2024 | Published Online: 20 July 2024

Abstract

This study explores the intricate balance between source and target cultures in the translation of the classic Chinese novel, “Dream of the Red Chamber,” focusing on the concept of equivalence in translation. By examining two distinct yet far-reaching translations of this seminal work by David Hawkes and Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang, this paper highlights the challenges and strategies translators employ to navigate cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and historical contexts unique to the original text. The research methodology includes a comparative analysis of selected passages from the original text and their counterparts in multiple English translations, assessing how different translators have approached key cultural and linguistic elements. Findings reveal that achieving equivalence in translation extends beyond literal word-for-word translation; it encompasses a deeper understanding and interpretation of the source culture’s socio-cultural and historical intricacies. The study also discusses the implications of these translation choices for readers’ appreciation and understanding of the novel’s themes and cultural depth. This paper contributes to the field of future translation studies by offering insights into the dynamic interplay between fidelity to the source text and the adaptability required to resonate with target culture readers, thereby enriching the discourse on cultural preservation and adaptation in literary translation.

Keywords:

Equivalence; Translation; Culture; Dream of the Red Chamber

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How to Cite

Tian, D., Alif Redzuan bin Abdullah, M., & Wong, L. Y. (2024). Equivalence in Translation: Balancing Act between Source and Target Cultures in Dream of the Red Chamber. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(3), 704–720. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i3.6550

Issue

Vol. 6 , Iss. 3 (September 2024)

Article Type

Article

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Copyright © 2024 Dandan Tian, Muhammad Alif Redzuan bin Abdullah, Ling Yann Wong

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.