An Investigation Into English Translation Of Linguistic Expressions Denoting Irony In “Truyen Kieu” By Nguyen Du

Abstract

Irony is not only a rhetorical device but also an essential factor to reflect attitudes as well as emotions people respond to the world. Exploring all the layers of meaning of irony is a tough challenge. This thesis was in the fields of the English Translation Studies and Stylistics. Linguistic expressions denoting irony in Truyen Kieu by Nguyen Du were investigated based on the theoretical backgrounds of Newmark (1988) and Catford (1978). The study was mixed designed of quality and quantity characteristics. All irony samples were selected from the Vietnamese original version of Truyen Kieu as compared with the English version of The Kim Van Kieu translated by Vladislav Zhukov in terms of semantics and translation studies. The findings of this research were expected to help translators, readers as well as EFL teachers and learners have a broader understanding on various kinds of irony in literary works so as to improve their translation, interpretation and communicative skills and at the same time enhance their appreciation and enjoyment of literary works of art. All these things will contribute a small but significant part to aestheticism in EFL education.