Abstract: Chinese dish name translation is a developing linguistic subject and has been a hot research topic currently. Cooking words are frequently used in dish name translation and verbs used in cooking are also an integral part of cooking words. The thesis mainly discusses the semantic differences of verbs in cooking and English translation about Chinese dishes. Cooking verbs are classified into two types in this thesis, namely, cooking verbs related to water, that is, the food mainly cooks in the water, cooking verbs related to oil, that is, the food fries or is deeply saturated with oil. The thesis starts with the cultural differences between Chinese and English and then analyzes the slight differences between cooking verbs. Chinese cooking verbs are more various than that whether in cooking methods or cooking techniques. The thesis makes a conclusion of translation about Chinese dishes based on a comparative study of semantic differences of verbs in cooking by employing translation theories and principles that are suitable and gives the main translation methods. This thesis aims at selecting the much more appropriate translating method according to specific and cultural connotations flexibly and then promoting the circulation of Chinese cuisine culture.

Key words: cuisine culture; cooking verbs; Chinese dish name; translation

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction.1

 1.1 Literature Review

 1.2 The Definition、Features and Significance of Menu Translation

 1.3 The Organization of the Thesis

2.Problems Existing in English Translation of Chinese Dish Names3

2.1 Problems Statement

 2.1.1Multiple Translations for One Dish Name

 2.1.2Ambiguous Choices of Words

 2.1.3Wrong Choices of Translation Methods

 2.1.4Lack of Culture Awareness

2.2 The Causes of the Problems 

3.Brief Analysis on Comparative Study of Semantic Differences of Verbs in Cooking5

 3.1 Cooking Verbs Related With Water 

 3.2 Cooking Verbs Related With Oil 

4.Translation Methods Reflected in Cooking Verbs.7

 4.1 Translation Based on Literariness

 4.2 Translation Based on Figurativeness

5.Conclusion.9

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements12