Translating Metaphors from a Cognitive Perspective: The Case of "Flowers" in Poetry Imagery

Abstract

Imagery is an important element in poetry, the translation of which has traditionally been the main point and difficulty of poetry translation. With the development of cognitive linguistics, cognitive metaphor theory provides a new perspective to study the translation of poetic imagery. Under the perspective of cognitive linguistics, poetic imagery is a conceptual metaphor that maps from the source domain to the target domain, so whether there is a corresponding mapping relationship between two cultures determines how to translate poetic imagery. Flowers are an important creative theme in classical poetry. The translation of flower imagery in ancient Chinese poetry is studied from the perspective of cognitive metaphor theory, and four methods of translating poetic imagery are summarized: direct translation, conversion of vehicle, direct translation with explanation, and translation of meaning without vehicle. These four methods aims at providing reference for the translation of poetic imagery and spreading traditional Chinese culture.