On the Motivation and Translation Techniques of Chinese and English Cooking Vocabulary

The diversity of cooking vocabulary in both Chinese and English reflect the uniqueness of their respective cultures. This paper aims to explore the motivation and translation techniques of Chinese English cooking vocabulary, in order to help English learners better understand and use these vocabulary. Firstly, it introduces the application of lexical motivation theory in English major learning. Secondly, it is pointed out that the motivation for Chinese and English cooking vocabulary mainly comes from their respective language and culture, historical traditions, as well as differences in ingredients and cooking methods. Then, the translation techniques for cooking vocabulary are introduced, including literal translation, free translation, additional translation, and cultural transformation techniques. Finally, mastering the corresponding translation skills can help the reader accurately express the meanings of these words, thereby promoting cultural exchange.