Translation Methods about Taboo Words in Red Sorghum from Translator’s Subjectivity

The existence of taboo words is a special linguistic phenomenon in Chinese, which is derived from ancient language taboos. Using taboo words when necessary can show the charm of language. Taboo words are words that use taboo techniques. It is difficult to understand completely. In Chinese literary works, taboo words have been used frequently. Translating taboo words into target language is undoubtedly a test for translator’s ability. It’s not easy to make the target readers understand and retain the charm of the original text. Any inappropriate handling of the taboo words in the translation process will lead to misunderstanding of the target language readers easily. When translating the Red Sorghum, translator Howard Goldblatt based on the translator’s subjectivity and his understanding of the two countries’ culture. He used literal translation, free translation, transliteration, omitted translation and other translation methods to properly interpret some taboos words in the original text, which not only helps the translation to retain its meaning, but also greatly increases the range and acceptability of the translation version.

Keywords Taboo Words; Translator’s Subjectivity; The English Version of Red Sorghum; Translation Methods