A preliminary study of the English translation of modern building names of Zhanjiang
湛江现代建筑名称英译初探

摘要

中国文化对外传播恰逢难得的时代性机遇。建筑作为物质文化和精神文化相结合的产物，是文化的一个组成部分。建筑名称英译是建筑文化走出去的第一步。本文探讨（1）湛江现代建筑名称英译现状，包括研究数量少、译名不统一和传播范围小。目前有少量关于湛江现代建筑的研究，但主要关注其设计方案、设计理念、规划布局、建筑结构、材料使用、色彩应用、节能思想等，专文论述湛江现代建筑的译介情况与传播状况的研究成果尚未出现；国际交流日益密切，凸显了翻译的重要性。好的译名尤为重要，但好的译名最基本的要求便是译名统一；湛江的现代建筑在国际上知名度较低，传播范围较小，需要加强对外文化输出。（2）英译方法，包括直译、意译、音译和回译，以及3.需要注意的问题。建筑名称通常由专名部分和通名部分构成。如“赤坎宾馆”，“赤坎”是专名，“宾馆”是通名。有些建筑物名称中的专名由两部分构成，如“湛江吴川国际机场”。在翻译这两类名称时各有需要注意的问题。

Abstract

The dissemination of Chinese culture to the outside world coincides with a rare opportunity. Architecture, as a product of the combination of material and spiritual cultures, is a component of culture. The English translation of building names is the first step for architectural culture to go global. This article explores the current situation of English translation of modern building names of Zhanjiang, including small number of studies, inconsistent translations and limited dissemination range. At present, there are a few studies on the modern architecture of Zhanjiang, but they mainly focus on its design schemes, design concepts, planning layouts, structures, material usage, color application, energy-saving ideas, etc. Research results that specifically discuss the translation situation as well as the dissemination status of modern architecture of Zhanjiang have not yet appeared. International exchanges are becoming increasingly close, highlighting the importance of translation. A good translation is particularly important, but the most fundamental requirement for a good translation is its uniformity. Modern architecture in Zhanjiang enjoys relatively low international recognition and has a limited dissemination range. It is necessary to enhance its cultural export to the outside world. 2. English translation methods, including literal translation, free translation, transliteration and back translation, as well as 3. Issues to be noted. The name of a building usually consists of a proper name and a common name. For example, in “Chikan Hotel”, “Chikan” is the proper name and “Hotel” is the common name. Some building names consist of two parts in their proper names, such as “Zhanjiang Wuchuan International Airport”. There are issues to be noted when translating these two types of names.