关键词: 《红楼梦》, 明清家具, 翻译规范

Abstract: Utilizing a Chinese-English parallel corpus, this paper examines the English translations of Ming and Qing dynasties furniture terms in A Dream of Red Mansions, adopting Toury's translation norms theory to analyze the approaches by Yang Hsien-yi and Gladys Yang, and by David Hawkes and John Minford. The analysis reveals that both translations predominantly use foreignizing strategies, demonstrating a preference for adequate translation, yet they differ in specific translation techniques due to their adherence to different translation norms. The study suggests that for translating Chinese classical furniture terms—whether generic terms without distinct cultural features, specific terms not present in the target culture, or collective terms—translators should consider the context thoroughly and choose appropriate methods such as transliteration, omission, or adaptation. This approach aims to promote the international recognition and understanding of Chinese classical furniture and its cultural significance.

Key words: A Dream of Red Mansions, Ming and Qing dynasties furniture, translation norms