Nominalization and Pinyin in Chinese-to-English Translation

Xiao Tangjin

(School of Foreign Languages, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China)

Abstract: Nominalization is an effective device of conveying experiences and concepts, characterized with information packaging and cognitive schemata and hence motivated. This paper reviews the research of Systemic Functional Linguistics, cognitive linguistics and cultural linguistics on nominalization and proposes that Pinyin expressions in Chinese-to-English translation of national culture be a reflection of nominalization. It is argued that Pinyin can express unique Chinese phenomena and serve as a way for Chinese culture to enter the global stage, and that Pinyin can materialize discourse ideology. Nevertheless, Pinyin should be used with caution for its advantages and disadvantages.

Key words: nominalization, Pinyin expressions in Chinese-to-English translation, ideology, national culture