A Comparative Analysis of Human Translation and Machine Translation in Diplomatic Languages under the Theory of Functional Equivalence: A Case Study of the US-China High-Level Strategic Dialogue in 2021

Xiaoyang Jiang

doi:10.54097/d3spwd31

Authors

Xiaoyang Jiang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/d3spwd31

Keywords:

Functional Equivalence Theory; Human Translation; Machine Translation; Diplomatic Language; Political Intent.

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of human and machine translations of Yang Jiechi's 16-minute speech during the 2021 China-U.S. High-Level Strategic Dialogue. Guided by the functional equivalence theory, this study examines the lexical and discourse choices of the human translator, Zhang Jing, against three different machine translations. The analysis focuses on the differences in translation regarding political sensitivity, cultural and emotional undertones, and the irreplaceable role of human translators in political language translation. The paper aims to demonstrate how effective human translation contributes to improving China-U.S. relations and enhancing China's international influence.

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