Advantages and Limitation of the Literal TranslationIntroduction0.1 Definition of literal translation Since we are going to study the interference elements in literal translation, the first thing we should do is to define some professional terms relating to the study as follows:“Literal follows the words of the original very closely and exactly.”(OXFORD ADVANCED LEARNERS English-Chinese Dictionary 6th Edition) Therefore, literal translation can be defined as a method that translates very closely and exactly as the original text. When we do some English-Chinese translation exercise, our teachers often tell us according to the original text. In other words, literal translation is the first method we first consider.0.2 Significance of literal translation Literal translation preserves the original intent of the text; it keeps the original use of language, syntax and diction. However, it can confuse the reader sometimes because there are differences between languages, and it would seem silly if everything is translated literally. Literal translation can also denote a translation that represents the precise meaning of the original text but does not attempt to convey its style, beauty, or poetry. Charles Singletons translation of The Divine Comedy (1975) is regarded as a literal translation. That is to say, it is necessary for translators to study and master interference elements of affecting literal translation in English-Chinese translation. Translators are guided to translate academic works and make a contribution in literal translation field. For beginners, having known these interference elements, you will make the fewer mistakes, enrich your knowledge and prepared for your further study. Chapter 1 Advantages and Limitation of the Literal Translation 1.1 Advantages of the literal translation Literal translation is an important translation method. It has many advantages, for example it can transmit meaning of the original text, embody its style and make readers understand the text meaning and so on. It is calculated that about 70% sentences should be transmitted with this method. So it is widely adopted by translators. Therefore literal translation method is important as we mentioned before 1.2 Existing problems in dealing with the literal translation Literal translation has the certain limitation. There are many interference elements during English-Chinese translation, intonation, English idiom, custom and stress and so on. For example, when we translate one essay which sometimes makes readers confuse, sometimes cant correctly transmit the meaning, even get the opposite of what writer wants. We certainly make many mistakes if we dont depend on the occasion and differences of China and foreign countrys language, just trend to literal translation. There are some causes, one hand, because form and content of language are different. There are unbalanced between literal and deep level in sentences; on the other hand, China and foreign country have different history cultural background, so people in two countries form different thought style and language expression way. Because of these misunderstandings, many people have criticized it, they mentioned the limitation, but which mistakes literal translation has, where it embodies. English- Chinese literal translation has many interference elements. Here I focus on three elements, including intonation, English idiom and stress. Beginners cant translate well until they grasp this method. Only this way can they avoid some mistakes, even they can use free translation when literal translation is out of place.Chapter 2 Intonation, idioms and stress Elements affect English-Chinese Literal Translation 2.1 Intonation affects literal translation 2.1.1 Definition of intonation Intonation is a voice tone of “the rise and fall of the voice in speaking, especially as this affects the meaning of what is being said” (OXFORD ADVANCED LEARNERS English-Chinese dictionary 6th Edition). 2.1 .2Characteristics of intonation English is regarded as intonation language. Usually one sentence has intonation meaning except lexical meaning. Intonation meaning refers to speakers attitude or tone when they talk about something. The same sentence, but different intonation, its meaning is different, sometimes it counters to the original text meaning. When we talk about something, intonation is very important. If we use it the same tone in one sentence from begins to ends, the hearer will feel boring as the song. 2.1.3 by taking example to show effect of literal translation Lets look at the following example. In the film- , a section of an actor and an actress dialogue is interesting. Actress: “I think twenty-year-old Dave . He is all right.” Actor:“Like,1.all right 2.all right, or 3.all right!4.all right? How to translate the second sentence? Some readers will confuse because there are fourall rights. The first sentence all right, this