关键词: 信达雅, 准确性, 可读性, 神似, 形似

Abstract:

This paper intends to propose a set of simple and easy criteria for good translations. We begin with a discussion of “Xin Da Ya” (信达雅) by Yan Fu, what do they mean? Are Yan Fu’s translations up to the standards? Then we come to our own proposals, substantiated with examples: (1) a translation should not be in conflict with the central theme of the original; (2) translated works should be readable; and (3) the translator should aim at both spiritual likeness and formal likeness at the same time. The conclusion is: a translation will by its nature be at variance with the original in some way. In other words, a translator will have to do a hard job within all kinds of constraints.

Key words: Xin Da Ya, accuracy, readability, spiritual likeness, formal likeness