From the above, we can see that whether to use domestication and foreignization is a very complicated question。 On one hand, they have differences in language styles and cultural connotation。 On the other hand, they have differences in holistic strategy and specific methods。 So it is impossible to use only one translation method throughout the translation process。 In this thesis, I will compare the differences of two versions in cultural contents to discuss why the translators choose different translation strategies, which translation method is better in certain context, what are their advantages and disadvantages, do they use only one translation strategy in their versions。

3。 Comparative Study of Two Versions

Due to different social and cultural background of Yang Xianyi and David Hawes, there are dramatic differences in the two versions。 Yang Xianyi is a son of rich family, he has been studied in UK。 He is a famous contemporary translator and foreign literature researcher and had great achievements。 Gladys。B。Taylor was born to missionary parents in Britain and grew up in Beijing, she has very high literary attainments。 They both had deep understanding about Chinese and English culture。 A Dream of Red Mansions has commendably merged two cultures。 However, as Yang couple mainly use literal translation, the style of translation seems too meticulous and rigorous, which make it hard for western readers to comprehend。

David Hawkes was born in Britain, he is a famous contemporary sinologist and translator, English is his first language, he deeply understand the folk customs and the cultural norms of the English-speaking country, therefore he considered more about the reading habits of English-spoken readers and merge Chinese culture into English culture。 However, Chinese culture has come through 5000 years with great vitality, and is widely different from British and American culture, while English is after all another language, so it is impossible to precisely translate the contents reflecting Chinese culture。来,自,优.尔:论;文*网www.youerw.com +QQ752018766-

3。1 Different translation strategies 

Different styles and effects of the two versions depend on different translation strategies, and how to choose translation strategies depends on different purpose of translation。 The Yang couple adopted domestication method which means the main translation skill is literal translation。 As they have in-depth knowledge on Chinese culture, their version almost reproduced the original text。 Yang Xianyi have always thought that in translation, what matters most is to introduce the Chinese culture faithfully to the foreign readers 。He thought the version should be loyal to the image in the original text and at the same time keep its exotic atmosphere。 Throughout his version, he used many foot notations to supplement the cultural information 。David Hawks has studied Chinese literature in Peking University for 3 years since 1948; he later became a profound professor of Chinese literature in Oxford University。 Overall, his translation combined literal translation with free translation。 David Hawkes always take the readers into consideration, he used domestication method to rewrite, replace and even omit some contents in the original text。 Not a single annotation can be found in his version, he thought annotation would distract the readers’ attention and affects their interests。