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Comparative Analysis of Pavilion of Prince Teng Based on Construction Grammar

Author(s)

Jinghan Zhang, Siqi Jin

Affiliation(s)

School of Foreign Languages, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan, China

Abstract

This paper explores the application and significance of Construction Grammar in the translation of poetry, specifically focusing on four different English versions of the classical Chinese poem Pavilion of Prince Teng. The study analyzes the construction choices, variations, and usage patterns across these translations, highlighting both their similarities and differences. The analysis is organized into three key levels: syntactic constructions, lexical constructions, and emotive constructions. By examining how each translation handles these constructions, the study sheds light on the translators’ creative decisions and the impact of Construction Grammar on the resulting translations. Moreover, the paper evaluates the quality of each translation, considering how well they preserve the original poem’s stylistic and emotive features. The findings suggest that Construction Grammar is a powerful tool for revealing the linguistic intricacies and expressive subtleties in poetry. It not only enhances the accuracy of translation but also enriches its emotional and stylistic depth, providing a novel approach to understanding and translating poetic works. This research offers valuable insights into the translation process, encourages further exploration of Construction Grammar in literary translation, and proposes a fresh perspective for future poetry translation practices. It contributes to the growing body of literature on the intersection of linguistics and translation studies.

Keywords

Construction Grammar; Pavilion of Prince Teng; Poetry Translation; English Translation

References

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