The Old Man Under The Moon Analysis

Abstract: Lin Yutang plays a very important role in Chinese translation history. His translation theory is systematic and comprehensive. The objects of his translation are mostly Chinese classic literature. In the process of translation, the flexible application of various translation strategies makes his translation can be better accepted by the readers. His series of English writing has been a sensation in Europe and America, and has a far-reaching influence. His translation has been regarded as an authoritative book on Oriental culture. Lin has a superb artistic attainments and extraordinary cultural accomplishment. Therefore, his proficient English makes his translation works become popular.
Text:
The translation theory of Lin
In Lin

Lin loved the heroine so he kept the fairy image of the old myth of "the Old Man under the Moon" to show the deep feelings of the couple and their desire to become a couple in the afterlife.
2. Transliteration
Text:
“五岳而外，名山复不少矣，若四明、天台、金华、括苍、金庭、天姥、 武 夷、匡庐、峨嵋、终南、中条、五台、太和、罗浮、会稽、茅山、九华、林屋诸洞天福地…..”
Translation:
“Besides these Five Sacred Mountains, there are a number of other famous mountains, like Szeming, T’ient’ai, Chihua, Kuasts’ang, T’ienmu, Wuyi, Lushan, Omei, Chungnan, Chungt’iao, Wut’ai, T’aiho, Lofu, Kweich’i, Maoshan, Chiuhua, and Linwu, and such sacred places without number,…”（林语堂中英对照丛书之《冥廖子游》，p30-31）
Comment:
Transliteration is a creative art, if we properly use the way to absorb the foreign language; we could enrich our vocabulary, convey sounds and feelings, and lead to associations. Meanwhile, transliteration can also reflect the new tendency of language activities. In this example, the names are used in transliteration, one is to let readers understand Chinese Geography (it’s a part of Chinese Culture), on the other hand is to make it more simple, because if we explain it will seem very long for these names.
3. Annotation