Cross-Cultural Communication Barriers in the English Translation of the Civil Code and Cognitive Linguistic Response Mechanisms

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore the intercultural communication barriers encountered in the English translation of the Civil Code and proposes corresponding coping mechanisms based on the theories of cognitive linguistics. By analyzing barriers at the linguistic, cultural, and cognitive levels, and employing theories such as conceptual metaphor and conceptual integration from cognitive linguistics, this study provides strategies and methods to improve the quality of the English translation of the Civil Code and promote intercultural communication. The research focuses on specific clauses, such as “invalidity of contract,” to demonstrate how these strategies can effectively address translation challenges. The findings show that these mechanisms not only enhance the accuracy and readability of the translated text but also facilitate a better understanding of the legal concepts across different cultural backgrounds. Future research should further explore the application of cognitive linguistics in other legal texts to enrich the theoretical and practical resources for intercultural legal translation.