ABSTRACT

Identity refers to what people think they are and what relation they have with others, and it is the case with the identity of a translator. Translators have been given different identities to bear in different periods of time and places. These identities include “painter”, “actor”, “mediator”, “competitor”, “slave”, and “matchmaker” and they are generally metaphorical in essence. 

This paper aims at finding out what metaphorical identity a translator should bear and what they are bearing now in the contemporary society. According to data collected through a questionnaire given to translators, publishers and readers. it is concluded that “matchmaker” is the identity that most translators are bearing and should bear.

Keywords：metaphorical identity; culture; translator 

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-2

2.1 Definitions of Identity-2

2.2 A Translator’s Metaphorical Identities-2

2.3 Evolution of Translators’ Identities-4

Chapter Three METHOD OF SURVEY-7

Chapter Four CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS-13

4.1 Cultural Background and Social Ideology-13

4.2 Cultural Implications on Translator’s Self-identification-14

4.2.1 The Identity they are bearing now-14

4.2.2 The Identity they should bear-15

4.3 Cultural Implications on Translator’s Other-Identification-15

4.3.1 The Identity Translators are bearing now-15

4.3.2 The Identity Translators should bear-16

4.4 Appropriate Identity for Translators to Bear in the Contemporary Context-17

4.5 The Invisible Identity as a Reader-17

Chapter Five CONCLUSION-18

REFERENCES-19

APPENDIX-20