Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

 1.1 The Background of the Thesis-1

 1.2 The Significance of the Thesis-1

 1.3 The Structure of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

 2.1 An Introduction to Chinese Menu-3

 2.2 Previous Studies on the Translation of Chinese Menu-3

 2.3 Differences of Food Culture between China and Western Countries-4

Chapter Three Translation of Chinese Menu in the Context of Intercultural Communication-6

 3.1 Literal Translation-6

   3.1.1 The Translation of Dishes for Projecting Main Ingredients-6

   3.1.2 The Translation of Dishes for Underlining Cooking Techniques-7

   3.1.3 The Translation of Dishes for Indicating the Shapes of the Food-8

 3.2 Literal Translation plus Annotation-8

   3.2.1 The Translation of Dishes Containing Person’s Name-9

   3.2.2 The Translation of Dishes with Legends-9

 3.3 Free Translation-10

 3.4 Transliteration-11

Chapter Four Conclusion-13

 4.1 Summary-13

 4.2 Limitations of the Thesis-13

References-14

Abstract

With the advancement of globalization, China’s international status and comprehensive national strength improved a lot. Meanwhile, the cultural influence has also strengthened greatly, especially dietary culture. Chinese cuisine has headed to the world and been widely noted at home and abroad. The translation of Chinese menu is also increasingly significant. 

This thesis does research on the English translation of Chinese menu and discusses four translation methods: literal translation, literal translation plus annotation, free translation and transliteration. Literal translation is used to translate Chinese cuisine which projects main ingredients, underlines cooking techniques and indicates the shapes of the food. Literal translation plus annotation is used to translate foods containing person’s name and legends. Examples of cuisine translation applied to free translation and transliteration are listed as well. Contributing to the English translation of Chinese menu is of increasing importance in the cultural exchange between China and the West, which can bring Chinese dietary culture to the whole world and promote transnational exchanges. 

Keywords: Chinese menu  translation of dish names  cross-cultural perspective