A Comparative Study of Address Terms in the Chinese Novel Shen Diao Xia Lü and its Thai Translation Ia Kuai Chao Insi

Abstract

This research attempts to study the usage of address terms in the Chinese novel Shen Diao Xia Lü, and to compare those address terms in Shen Diao Xia Lü with the ones in its Thai translation Ia Kuai Chao Insi. By examining the address terms appearing in the Chinese novel Shen Diao Xia Lü, the address terms can be divided into 7 main categories: kinship address terms, occupation and position address terms, status address terms, name address terms, first-and-second-person pronoun address terms, address terms which imply judgement toward the addressed persons, and compound address terms. The most common categories were compound address terms, status address terms, and kinship address terms respectively. By comparing with the Thai translation Ia Kuai Chao Insi, the results show that there are 3 main types of translation: literal translation modified literal translation, and free translation or non-translation. Literal translation can be divided into 3 subgroups: meaning-based translation, pronunciation-based translation (Chaozhou accent), and mixed translation. Modified literal translation can be divided into 3 subgroups: addition of words, reduction of words, and alteration of words. The most common types of translation, listed respectively, were pronunciation-based translation, meaning-based translation, and alteration of words.