The Forms of Cultural Differences and Translation (英语论文).doc

The Forms of Cultural Differences and Translation Cultural differences have many expressive forms. Any subtle difference can bring out problem to translation. We should try to know and recognize as many forms of cultural differences as possible, so that we can deal with problems of translation more flexibly. I list some typical forms to explain the relationship between cultural differences and translation. 1 The differences in ways of thinking and translation Ways of thinking is the process of an individual choosing, evaluating and organizing external stimulus, which is the process of changing external stimulus to personal experience. A nation’s ways of thinking not only affect individual’s social activity, but also affect response of other nations, and the attitude of translated culture towards original culture agreement, appreciation or belittlement, exclusion. In western culture, people think that there is direct relation between ideology and actual world, laying great emphasis on rationale and deduction, believing that as long as following right logical steps, they will obtain truth. While in some eastern culture, such as Buddhism, people think that rationale and logic cannot obtain truth, the best way of obtaining truth is speculation, meditation and waiting, and then truth will appear naturally. In addition, different nations have great difference in standpoint and response to outside things. It is said that, an American, a German, a Japanese person and a Chinese person went to visit Ocean Museum. The American wondered at the sight of the museum, saying “Terrific!” and admiring the fish with huge and beautiful shape. The German inquired into the water temperature and habits of the fish carefully. The Japanese examined the quality and cost of the fish tank. While the Chinese wanted to know whether the fish is eatable and whether it is delicious. We do not evaluate the creditability of the hearsay, but different cultures indeed have different response.