A Study on Cultural Default Compensation in Roberts’ Translation of <i>Romance of </i><i>t</i><i>he Three Kingdoms</i> from the Perspective of Paratext

文化缺省指翻译中因文化差异，原文文化元素在目的语中无法直接对应而产生的意义缺失。副文本作为正文补充，含注释、序言等，能为正文提供额外解释与背景信息，对弥补该缺省意义重大。《三国演义》蕴含丰富历史背景与文化内涵，其罗译本在翻译中不可避免面临文化缺省问题，这不仅是语言障碍，更涉及深层文化意义与价值观。为解决这一问题，译者罗慕士采用多种翻译策略，其中副文本的运用尤为关键。罗译本中副文本的运用，为读者提供了必要文化背景知识，助力其理解原文隐含意义与文化内涵。如通过注释解释特定文化意象或社会习俗，让西方读者对原本陌生的文化元素更易理解。本文将详细分析罗译本副文本在文化补偿方面的具体策略与效果，以及其如何帮助读者跨越文化障碍，更好地理解与欣赏《三国演义》。Cultural default in translation refers to the loss of meaning caused by cultural differences, where cultural elements in the original text cannot be directly matched in the target language. Paratext, which supplements the main text and includes annotations, prefaces, etc., can provide additional explanations and background information, playing a significant role in compensating for the lost meaning. “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” is rich in historical background and cultural connotations. In its translation by Moss Roberts, cultural default is inevitable, as it involves not only language barriers but also deep-seated cultural meanings and values. To address this, Roberts employs various translation strategies, with the use of paratext being particularly crucial. In Roberts’ translation, paratext provides readers with essential cultural background knowledge, helping them understand the implied meanings and cultural connotations of the original text. For instance, annotations are used to explain specific cultural images and social customs, making it easier for Western readers to grasp these unfamiliar elements. This paper will analyze the specific strategies and effects of paratext in cultural compensation in Roberts’ translation, as well as how it helps readers overcome cultural barriers and better understand and appreciate Romance of the Three Kingdoms.