1、 I. Introduction II. The Origins of Allusions in English III. The Origins of Allusions in Chinese IV. The Suggested Practice on Interpretation of Allusions Definition: According to Websters New Collegiate Dictionary, allusion is defined as “an implied or indirect reference, esp. when used in literat

2、ure”. In some Chinese dictionaries, allusions is defined as “some expressions used in poems which are quoted from the ancient stories or have some origins”. As it is rich in cultural meanings, its application can add splendor to the writings, and its translation thus has attracted much attention fro

3、m the scholars. Functions of allusions: not only enrich language, but also vivify and easy the communication. Besides, allusions also reflect the rich cultural heritage of the people who speak the language. Literature review: many papers concerning the allusions are produced, for example, Lie (2008)

4、 explored the origins of English allusions from several aspects. Chen (2006) invested the translation of the allusions in Chinese poem “Moored on Qinhuai River ” from Relevance theory. Wang (2005) dealt with the transplant and compensation of Chinese allusions to English. All the research has enrich

5、ed our understanding to allusions. 2.1 some involve events or characters from the treasure house of English literature, especially from Shakespeare. The following examples fall into this category. A Shylock, Romeo, Juliet, Sherlock Holmes, Frankenstein, Uncle Tom, Waterloo. 2.2 Another common source

6、 of allusions of English is legends and mythology, mostly from Greek and Roman mythology. For example, a Herculean task, an Achilles heel, a Pandoras box, a Damocles sword and so on. 2.3 Religion is another source of allusions. For examples , a Solomon, a Judas, thirty pieces of silver, a kiss of de

7、ath. Damocles swordPandoras box 2.4 some other allusion are from the sports, the most troublesome are those that involve recent or contemporary events, personalities, products, etc. For instance, to not get to the first base, to carry the ball, to be down and out, to hit below the belt, play ones tr

8、ump card (s), squeeze play, to swallow the bait, an Ivy Leaguer, as American as apple pie. 3.1 From literature, especially the four master pieces. 劉姥姥進大觀園; 智多星;林妹妹;阿Q 3.2 From historical figures or events. 四面楚歌;圍魏救趙;完璧歸趙 3.3 From Chinese fables and myths. 畫蛇添足;守株待兔;對牛彈琴;牛郎織女;嫦娥奔月 3.4 From religions

9、八仙過海,各顯神通; 臨時抱佛腳; 做一天和尚撞一天鐘; 一人得道,仙及雞犬; 放下屠刀,立地成佛 3.5 From sports and recreation 馬后炮, 異曲同工,一唱一和,跑龍?zhí)?唱紅臉,唱白臉,粉墨登場 劉姥姥進大觀園-Granny Liu entering a palatial mansion-a country persons awe at the splendor of the environment. 萬事俱備，只久東風Everything is ready, all thats needed is an east wind- all is ready excep

10、t what is crucial. 豬八戒倒打一耙Zhubajie (the pig in Journey to the West) puts the blame on his innocent victim-make unfounded countercharges. 四面楚歌-hear the sounds of the Chu all around be besieged on all sides. 身在曹營心在漢body in Cao, but heart in Han-in one place physically but another in mind and heart. 圍魏

11、救趙-besiege Wei to rescue Zhao relieve the besieged by besieging the base of the besiegers. 守株待兔-stand by a stump waiting for hares to come and dash themselves against it-trust to chance and windfalls. 八仙過海，各顯神通like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each showing his or her special powerspeople do

12、ing the same job, but each in his own special way, and each doing it well. 做一天和尚，撞一天鐘go on tolling the bell as long as one is a monkdo the least that is expected of one. 舍車馬，保將帥-give up a chariot to save the marshal (Chinese chess).make minor sacrifice to safeguard major interests. 一唱一和-one sings, t

13、he other harmonizes-sing the same tune. 跑龍?zhí)?run through the steps of the dragon danceplay a bit role. 粉墨登場-make oneself up and go on stage-embark upon a venture The suggested practice for Chinese interpreters or people conversing with English-speaking visitors is to give a rough equivalent or a brie

14、f explanation without going into details, so as not to distract from the main thread of the idea being discussed. 1.這項任務非常艱巨,但他還是設(shè)法完成了. 2.他原本是這一職位最佳侯選人,他有能力,有經(jīng)驗,但他有個致命弱點,就是他的壞脾氣. 3. 本拉登依然在逃,這一事實讓布什政府如頭懸利劍,坐立不安. 4. 他對她一見鐘情,制定了一個追求她的周密計劃,不過他第一回合就敗了下來 5.The project needs powerful leadership, wed better

15、 ask Michael to carry the ball . 6. He tried every means to save his shop from closing, yet he was down and out . 1.Though it was a Herculean task, he still managed to finish it. 2. With his good ability and rich experience, he could have been the best candidate for this post but for his bad temper,