四川大学国际课程周
SICHUAN UNIVERSITY UIP 2024
教师 Teacher
T HUMBLE PHILIPPE
       外国语学院
课程名称 Course Title
Multicultural Communication in Translation Studies

The integration of anthropological and sociological insights on the interplay between language and culture with translation studies, especially within the Chinese context, illuminates the necessity of cultural comprehension for accurate translation. Language reflects social norms, values, and beliefs, making the cultural context pivotal. The frameworks established by Claire Kramsch, Geert Hofstede and Edward T. Hall further dissect the language-culture nexus, offering tools to navigate cultural differences. Hofstede's dimensions, like power distance and individualism versus collectivism, alongside Hall's concepts of high- and low-context cultures, monochronic and polychronic time, and proxemics, aid in understanding the differences in communication styles across cultures. Chinese culture, characterized by hierarchical distance and an indirect communication style, contrasts with the more direct nature of Western cultures. This discrepancy underscores the translator's role in bridging cultural gaps, necessitating a better understanding of both source and target cultures to convey the information effectively, beyond mere words. In practical terms, translators must adapt their strategies based on the cultural context, whether translating commercial documents or literary texts, to ensure the translated material resonates with the target audience while preserving the source's intended meaning and cultural essence. The combined theoretical frameworks of scholars like Kramsch, Van Parijs, Bourdieu, Venuti, Hofstede, and Hall, when applied to the specifics of Chinese translation studies and complemented by the practices of Chinese translators like Yan Fu, Fu Lei, and Qian Zhongshu, offer a comprehensive guide for producing culturally sensitive and accurate translations. This approach not only facilitates effective communication but also enriches the target language with the source culture's nuances and complexities.