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1.2A brief introduction of the novel and the author
1.2.1About the novel
A Moment in Peking is a epitome of last century in China with distinct Chinese culture characteristics. Through changes of a big family, the novel reflects the turbulent and fickle society in China from 1900 to 1938. A lot of historical events happened which won’t be forgotten by the Chinese and feature this novel with Chinese characteristics. Under the background of turbulent history, Lin gave a specific description of three large family, that is Yao,Zeng,Niu,through their joys and sorrows, rise and decline to reflect the changes in old society. It not only mirrors the great and profound Chinese culture, but involves many western cultural connotations.Lin Dongxuan(1998) proposed “This novel covers various aspects of Chinese folk-customs, such as wedding, funeral, religion, Chinese medicine ,Chinese particular food, garments, poetry, idioms, Taoist culture, relative, name and different conventions.” The translation strategy of all these culture-loaded words are worth studying and tasting.To introduce our own culture to western readers in a large extent,it is vital to describe these culture-loaded words and expressions. In this novel,there are kinds of culture-specific words and expressions including spirit, food, garment, living, transport, conventions, religion, Chinese medicine construction and so on. At the same time, large differences exit between China and other foreign countries in material, religion and convention. Foreigners lack the background of Chinese history and things, through successful Culture-loaded terms translation, they may know more about China and attract them. The researches of the translation way of these color words and the acceptability are of great value.
1.2.2About the author
As wold-famous writer, scholar, philosopher, linguistician and translator, Lin Yutang was born in China but has about 30 years life experiences in western countries. So he has a thorough knowledge of both western and traditional Chinese culture which gives him double cultural background and identity. He devoted his whole life to writing eastern and western culture and fulfilling the mission of spreading and delivering culture. Just like Zhang Liyun(2010)said “He talk Chinese culture to foreigner, in contrary, he tell the foreign culture to Chinese.” The early life experiences in China and later academic studies in America and Germany enriched his mind about life about westerners. His rich learning and life experiences make him become a cultural ambassador who has an orient background and western cultural love knot. He has a strong sense of self-orientalism.Lin has a big influence on overseas for his English works are more than his Chinese works. Highly praised by main media such as Times,his books become best sellers for many times. And Lin himself won the nomination of Nobel Prize. It is a great honor for a Chinese writer. A lot of westerners see China and its culture through Lin’s books.A moment of Peking, one of his most influential and greatest magnum opuses, is a typical representative.