The Differences Between Parataxis and Hypotaxis in Chinese and Foreign Language Cultures: A Comparative Analysis of Chinese and English Versions of “The Sight of Father’s Back” as an Example

Yuting Liu

doi:10.63313/LLCS.9027

Authors

Yuting Liu Department of Foreign Languages. China West Normal University, Nanchong, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/LLCS.9027

Keywords:

English-Chinese language, Hypotaxis; Parataxis, The Sight of Father’s Back, Contrast

Abstract

Parataxis refers to the implicit logic in Chinese, where the logical relationships between sentences are not conveyed through formal linguistic devices (e.g., conjunctions) but rather through semantic coherence. In contrast, hypotaxis denotes the overt logic in English, where inter-sentence logical relationships rely on formal linguistic means (including grammatical and lexical cohesion), emphasizing structural coherence. The distinction between hypotaxis and par-ataxis is one of the most prominent features in English-Chinese language com-parison and constitutes a fundamental difference between the two languages. In recent years, with the deepening of cultural exchange and integration be-tween China and the West, increasing attention has been paid to hypotaxis and parataxis in English and Chinese. This paper conducts a comparative study of hypotaxis and parataxis in English and Chinese by analyzing Zhu Ziqing’s prose The Sight of Father’s Back and its English translations. The paper aims to enhance translators’ understanding and mastery of the distinct linguistic fea-tures of both languages, thereby improving their bilingual translation compe-tence. The selected translations in this paper are all produced by renowned translators. Through analysis, the paper seeks to derive effective translation strategies and techniques, providing theoretical guidance for future translation practice. Additionally, it calls for greater emphasis on Chinese-to-English translation studies in the field of translation research.

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