An exploration of 'Anger' metaphor translations based on cognitive equivalence hypothesis (CEH)

Abstract

Metaphor mapping is mainly embodied by the mapping of vehicles. Three cognitive relations exist in vehicles of metaphors in two different cultures: identical, similar and absent. Based on Nida's functional equivalence theory of translation, the paper tentatively proposes the cognitive equivalence hypothesis (CEH) as the criterion of metaphor translation. It means that a translator should, to the fullest extent, realize the cognitive equivalence of vehicles between readers of the original text and readers of the translated text. In this paper, the cognitive comparison of "anger" metaphors in English and Chinese and their translation strategies will serve as testifying the feasibility of CEH as the criterion of metaphor translation. The thesis has some values: it promotes the cultural exchange; it fills the gap in "anger" metaphor translations; it enriches the study of metaphor translation. © 2011 ACADEMY PUBLISHER Manufactured in Finland.