Translating Culturally-Loaded Words in Exploring Wuliangye: A Translation Compensation Perspective

Abstract

Guided by translation compensation theory, this study systematically analyzes the English translation strategies for culturally-loaded terms (e.g., "Shili Jiucheng" [Ten-Mile Liquor City]) in the text Exploring Wuliangye. As quintessential carriers of Chinese liquor culture, these terms encapsulate unique brewing techniques, brand philosophy, and historical memory, posing significant translation challenges due to conceptual gaps inherent in culture-specific items. The analysis identifies a three-fold compensation mechanism: (1) literal translation to preserve cultural imagery, (2) free translation to ensure readability, and (3) transliteration supplemented by annotations to maintain phonetic associations. This approach facilitates the cross-linguistic transfer of cultural memes. The study demonstrates translation compensation theory’s efficacy in addressing cultural default in intangible cultural heritage terminology, balancing source-culture authenticity with target-culture acceptability, and constructing a comprehensive pathway for cultural transmission. Findings offer methodological insights for translating traditional craft texts and advance the international dissemination of China’s intangible cultural heritage.