Lost between the layers: examining culture and meaning through the effects of the translating process of Konrad Lorenz's Er redete mit dem Vieh, den Vogeln und den Fischen

Abstract

The aim of this research report is to explore the transference of cultural meaning in translations of Konrad Lorenz’s Er redete mit dem Vieh, den Vögeln und den Fischen (1949). This is a study on animal behaviour that has been widely translated into various languages, including English. This report deals with how meaning is transferred from German into English, as well as the various strategies used by the translators in her translation. In addition we also examine the Chinese translation of the English edition, and investigate how the Chinese translators dealt with the issues of cultural and linguistic structural differences. In looking at the strategies employed by the translators of both target texts, this research examines how meaning and cultural context can be effectively transferred in the translation process. We are not looking at the entire book but at selected passages. The passages selected provide examples of the various issues that arise in the translation process especially regarding the transference of culture.