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The Reconstruction of International Discourse Reflected in the English Translation of “Loong”

Author(s)

Jianzhong Yang

Affiliation(s)

Department of Foreign Language and Literature, Yancheng Teachers College, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China

Abstract

Translation can be seen beyond the replacement of linguistic symbols in the context of cross-cultural communication; it is also a struggle over cultural discourse power. It is well-known that the concept of the Loong in the culture of China has been associated with the notion of the dragon in English, which has quite negative implications. This could be seen to a great extent as an unbalanced representation of Chinese culture in the discourse system of the West. In this context, this paper will compare the cultural connotations of the two concepts, explore the source and effects of this mistranslation, and discuss some other important aspects of discourse power, in the international communication context. It also suggests ways to address the current condition through increasing cultural self-awareness and innovating cultural communication, and provides some reference value to international communication of Chinese culture.

Keywords

International Communication; Discourse Power; English Translation of “Loong”

References

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