The interpenetration of language and culture in the translation of literary texts, taking the Russian-Chinese language pair as an example

Abstract

Against the backdrop of deepening Russia – China relations, it is necessary for us to pay greater attention to the cultures of both countries and enhance mutual understanding. Literary texts carry important national cultural heritage and reflect the national mentality. The translation of literary works, in turn, helps other peoples gain a better understanding of the culture of a given nation. Therefore, training qualified translators specializing in literary translation is a responsible and long-term task. This study examines the teaching of literary translation under conditions of mutual penetration of language and culture, using the Russian – Chinese language pair as a case study. First, the paper reveals the relationship between language and culture, as well as the importance of literary translation. Second, it outlines the characteristics of literary translation and identifies typical cultural components of the Chinese language, such as literary images, cultural lacunae, symbols, etc. In the translation of Chinese literary works, these Chinese cultural components are carefully analyzed to ensure the accurate transmission of information about Chinese culture contained in literary texts. Third, the educational process and methodological stages of teaching literary translation are structured in order to develop future translators’ ability to translate literary texts and ensure the proper dissemination of national culture in the target-language community. The main stages include: a preparatory (propaedeutic) stage, contact training exercises, and independent work by students.