Structure of Meaning (SOM): towards a three-dimensional perspective on translating between Chinese and English

The introductory first chapter begins with a brief survey, of translation in the pre-linguistics period. It holds that comparativeness and comparison should be the foundation of translation studies. The model of Structure of Meaning (SOM) is thus created by incorporating and extending the two three-...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Zhu, Chunshen
Format: Thesis (University of Nottingham only)
Language:English
Published: 1993
Online Access:https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/11173/
_version_ 1848791211788206080
author Zhu, Chunshen
author_facet Zhu, Chunshen
author_sort Zhu, Chunshen
building Nottingham Research Data Repository
collection Online Access
description The introductory first chapter begins with a brief survey, of translation in the pre-linguistics period. It holds that comparativeness and comparison should be the foundation of translation studies. The model of Structure of Meaning (SOM) is thus created by incorporating and extending the two three-dimensional models provided by systemic-functional grammar and speech act theory. It consists of three dimensions of linguistic composition, interactional dynamic and aesthetic impact, for the analysis of the SL text, for the creation of the TL text in translation, and for the comparison of the two in translation studies. In linguistic composition, the word-order is observed in terms of Agent)-V(erb)O(bject) sequence and its variations, elaborated by modification in text formation. The functions of linguistic elements are classified as syntactic bearer, information carrier and stylistic marker for analysis. The issue of Unit of Translation is also addressed. Information distribution is analyzed for the interactional dynamic of the SOM in terms of implicit versus explicit presentation of information and how this is dealt with in translating on the basis of thematic structure. Aesthetic impact combines form, function and effect to give a SOM its individuality. This is discussed via the translation of figurative language, and syntactic iconicity and enactment. Attention is also devoted to the relations between Shape, Sound and Sense in translation. The model of SOM, in conclusion, identifies Stance and Style within the conventional meaning of 'style', and proposes the practice of stylistic translating in the creation a TL SOM which matches the SL SOM in the three dimensions.
first_indexed 2025-11-14T18:24:55Z
format Thesis (University of Nottingham only)
id nottingham-11173
institution University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
institution_category Local University
language English
last_indexed 2025-11-14T18:24:55Z
publishDate 1993
recordtype eprints
repository_type Digital Repository
spelling nottingham-111732025-02-28T11:11:45Z https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/11173/ Structure of Meaning (SOM): towards a three-dimensional perspective on translating between Chinese and English Zhu, Chunshen The introductory first chapter begins with a brief survey, of translation in the pre-linguistics period. It holds that comparativeness and comparison should be the foundation of translation studies. The model of Structure of Meaning (SOM) is thus created by incorporating and extending the two three-dimensional models provided by systemic-functional grammar and speech act theory. It consists of three dimensions of linguistic composition, interactional dynamic and aesthetic impact, for the analysis of the SL text, for the creation of the TL text in translation, and for the comparison of the two in translation studies. In linguistic composition, the word-order is observed in terms of Agent)-V(erb)O(bject) sequence and its variations, elaborated by modification in text formation. The functions of linguistic elements are classified as syntactic bearer, information carrier and stylistic marker for analysis. The issue of Unit of Translation is also addressed. Information distribution is analyzed for the interactional dynamic of the SOM in terms of implicit versus explicit presentation of information and how this is dealt with in translating on the basis of thematic structure. Aesthetic impact combines form, function and effect to give a SOM its individuality. This is discussed via the translation of figurative language, and syntactic iconicity and enactment. Attention is also devoted to the relations between Shape, Sound and Sense in translation. The model of SOM, in conclusion, identifies Stance and Style within the conventional meaning of 'style', and proposes the practice of stylistic translating in the creation a TL SOM which matches the SL SOM in the three dimensions. 1993 Thesis (University of Nottingham only) NonPeerReviewed application/pdf en arr https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/11173/1/334300.pdf Zhu, Chunshen (1993) Structure of Meaning (SOM): towards a three-dimensional perspective on translating between Chinese and English. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.
spellingShingle Zhu, Chunshen
Structure of Meaning (SOM): towards a three-dimensional perspective on translating between Chinese and English
title Structure of Meaning (SOM): towards a three-dimensional perspective on translating between Chinese and English
title_full Structure of Meaning (SOM): towards a three-dimensional perspective on translating between Chinese and English
title_fullStr Structure of Meaning (SOM): towards a three-dimensional perspective on translating between Chinese and English
title_full_unstemmed Structure of Meaning (SOM): towards a three-dimensional perspective on translating between Chinese and English
title_short Structure of Meaning (SOM): towards a three-dimensional perspective on translating between Chinese and English
title_sort structure of meaning (som): towards a three-dimensional perspective on translating between chinese and english
url https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/11173/