On the Translation Strategies of Names in the English Versions of Hong Lou Meng

This paper analyses the translation strategies adopted when translating names of different characters in the two well-known versions of Hong Lou Meng. Yangs’ version sticks to the rule of faithfulness and tries to transfer all aspects of source language and culture to target language readers by foreignization strategy; while Hawkes’ version is reader-centered and tries to make readers at ease in reading by naturalization strategy. The author thinks completeness and sufficiency are criterion to judge that is the best translation strategy. The two versions are well done but there are more or less shortcomings of under translation.