Bilingual Dictionary Translation Research (New Perspectives in Translation Studies Series)

Author: Wei Xiangqing
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-10-01
Features: The research in this book, from the perspective of the research topic, still belongs to the traditional basic theoretical research. However, compared to previous studies on the translation of bilingual dictionary entries, this book's research has distinct innovative characteristics. This innovation is primarily reflected in four aspects: first, the redefinition of the research object. Second, the innovative research orientation. Third, the innovative research rationale. Fourth, the expansion of new research fields. This book represents an initial attempt at systematic research on the issue of bilingual dictionary translation, which holds significant importance for the systematic construction of bilingual dictionary theory. In this regard, the research in this book should be characterized by a positive awareness of theoretical construction. On the other hand, since the reform and opening-up, the compilation and publication of bilingual dictionaries in China have shown unprecedented prosperity. However, high-quality bilingual dictionaries that truly meet the linguistic and cultural cognitive needs of learners are scarce. The overall quality of bilingual dictionary compilation needs further improvement. Moreover, due to the continuous introduction of Western monolingual dictionaries, the competition in the dictionary market has become increasingly fierce. To maintain the initiative in the field of bilingual dictionary compilation and to remain invincible in the competition, we must produce more high-quality bilingual dictionaries. Practical progress, however, depends on theoretical guidance. The research in this book is also a theoretical exploration conducted based on the current state of bilingual dictionary compilation and publication in China, which holds positive practical significance. The book is divided into seven chapters. Chapter 1 is the introduction, which briefly introduces the research content and objectives of the book. It also provides a concise review and analysis of the history and current state of research on similar issues in the field of lexicography, particularly bilingual dictionary studies. It proposes the unique orientation, methods, and diverse research rationales of this book. Chapter 2 serves as an important foundation for the book's arguments, primarily explaining the complexity of natural word semantics. Additionally, this chapter thoroughly elaborates on and distinguishes the linguistic meaning from the speech meaning of natural words. It also carefully analyzes the characteristics of bilingual dictionary users—foreign language learners—in terms of their vocabulary semantic learning. Chapter 3 mainly describes and analyzes the systematic characteristics of bilingual dictionary translation. Starting with a redefinition of the purpose of bilingual dictionaries, the author analyzes the main shortcomings of traditional bilingual dictionary translation functions and discusses the corresponding functions of modern bilingual dictionary translation. On this basis, the author also explores the systematic characteristics of modern bilingual dictionary translation from the perspective of modern systems theory, namely the holism, hierarchy, and dynamism of the bilingual dictionary translation system. Chapter 4 discusses the prototype characteristics embodied by the constituent elements of the bilingual dictionary translation system. This chapter is inspired by modern psychological research on cognitive construction learning theory, emphasizing that modern bilingual dictionary translation should benefit the construction of foreign language learners' vocabulary semantic knowledge by carefully selecting and arranging the content of the dictionary text. Additionally, the relevant links of the bilingual dictionary translation system should also exhibit prototype characteristics, as prototypes play a significant role in vocabulary semantic cognitive construction. Chapter 5 explores the special issues of bilingual dictionary translation. Bilingual dictionary translation has a clear cognitive value orientation. Moreover, in terms of practical methods and forms, bilingual dictionary translation differs significantly from ordinary text translation, showing clear characteristics of translation adaptation. At the end of this chapter, the author analyzes and compares specific types of bilingual dictionary translation practice with concrete examples, which have certain practical value. Chapter 6 discusses the critical issues of bilingual dictionary translation, which is also a relatively important topic. From the perspective of the systematic construction of modern lexicography theory, dictionary criticism is an indispensable component of lexicography theoretical research. The theoretical research on bilingual dictionary translation naturally also needs to focus on the critical issues of bilingual dictionary translation. Chapter 7 is the conclusion of the book. The research in this book is only an exploratory attempt at bilingual dictionary translation research. In fact, bilingual dictionary translation research still has considerable room for expansion. First, the issue of formal innovation in bilingual dictionary translation. Second, the issue of structural optimization in bilingual dictionary translation. Third, bilingual dictionary translation research should also focus on the translation issues of Chinese bilingual dictionaries. The author of this book will continue new theoretical exploration and discovery based on the research in this book and combine it with the practice of bilingual dictionary compilation.