Bilingual Dictionary Translation Research

Author: Wei Xiangqing
Publisher:
Publish 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 definitions, 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 is 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 proactive 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, with the continuous introduction of monolingual dictionaries from Western countries, 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, it is essential to produce more high-quality bilingual dictionaries. Practical progress, however, relies on theoretical guidance. The research in this book is also a theoretical exploration based on the current state of bilingual dictionary compilation and publication in China, and it 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 lexicology, 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 lexical semantics. Additionally, this chapter thoroughly elaborates on and distinguishes the linguistic meaning from the speech meaning of natural vocabulary. It also carefully analyzes the characteristics of bilingual dictionary users—foreign language learners—in terms of lexical semantic learning. Chapter 3 mainly describes and analyzes the systematic characteristics of bilingual dictionary translation. Starting with a reevaluation 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' lexical 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 lexical 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, demonstrating 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, offering some practical value. Chapter 6 addresses the issue of bilingual dictionary translation criticism, which is also a relatively important topic. From the perspective of the systematic construction of modern lexicological theory, dictionary criticism is an indispensable component of lexicological theoretical research. The theoretical research on bilingual dictionary translation naturally also needs to focus on the issue of bilingual dictionary translation criticism. Chapter 7 is the conclusion of the book. The research in this book is only an exploratory attempt at bilingual dictionary translation research, and in fact, there is still considerable room for expansion in this field. 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 of Chinese bilingual dictionaries. The author of this book will continue new theoretical exploration and discovery based on the research in this book, combined with the practice of bilingual dictionary compilation.