Translating Culturally-loaded Words in External Publicity Texts - A Case Study of Xi Jinping: Governance of China

Abstract

Against the backdrop of deepening economic globalization, the exchanges among countries have become increasingly close. Therefore, the translation of external publicity texts has gained significant importance, as the quality of such translations directly impacts the effectiveness and influence of information dissemination. Xi Jinping: Governance of China offers the world a Chinese approach to building a community with a shared future for mankind and creating a better world and provides the international community with a window into understanding China. And quite a few culturally loaded words within it have become a focal point of translation difficulties. Through the analysis of the first three volumes of this political text, this article categorizes the translation difficulties of culturally loaded words into three types: lack of cultural background knowledge, abundance of culturally rich numerals, and possession of connotative meanings. On the basis of these difficulties, specific cases are selected, and the translation techniques, such as transliteration, paraphrase, and delexicalization, adopted by translators are analyzed in detail. The author argues that the translation of culturally loaded words requires translators to select the most appropriate method in accordance with different contexts, balancing the accurate conveyance of meaning with the preservation of cultural characteristics as much as possible. On the basis of the comprehensive multi-language database platform of Xi Jinping: Governance of China developed by Shanghai International Studies University, the article explores the translation difficulties of culturally-loaded words and relevant translation techniques, providing insights for future English translations of similar external publicity texts to effectively promote the breadth and depth of the dissemination of unique Chinese culture abroad.