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Abstract Abstract: Conceptual metaphor, a kind of deep-seated way of cognition, is characterized by generativity and systematicity. It can form a powerful rhetorical field with its generated or branch metaphors. This paper aims to investigate the linguistic representations of the systematicity of conceptual metaphors and the strength and weakness of their English translations through the analysis of four typical examples in contemporary Chinese fiction, namely, “GUN IS WOMAN”, “DESIRE IS FIRE”, “INDIFFERENCE IS ICE” and “DIETING IS WAR”. It is found that H. Goldblatt’s corresponding English translations basically have the required equal systematicity of linguistic realizations, and thus similar esthetic value as well as interpreting space. They also play the role of constructing text, deepening cognition, shaping characters and so on. Apart from reproducing the original conceptual metaphors and their representations, Goldblatt also adopts some compensative methods to enlarge the rhetorical field, which, to a certain degree, can make up for the esthetic loss of the target text. Moreover, some minor flaws in Goldblatt’s translation prove that attention should also be paid to the connection between branch metaphors of a single conceptual metaphor in the textual context to ensure the integrity of the text and its metaphorical effect of rhetorical field.
Key words: contemporary Chinese fiction; conceptual metaphor; systematicity; rhetorical field; English translation
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