Paratextual Elements in Archaeology News Translation Within the Multimodal Framework: A Case Study on Sanxingdui Ruins in Xinhua News Agency

Abstract

Archaeology is usually arcane and vapid for ordinary people, not to mention the archaeology translation. Most of these translation studies focus on the specific terms and contents of texts, which are the basic aspects of publicizing archaeological culture, but diverse text forms and multimodality can be also taken into consideration. Paratext, one part of its text, mediates the text and readers by presenting some verbal and non-verbal expressions of writers, translators, publishers and even countries to deliver much information and provide a more academic atmosphere. Multimodality, as an exchanging channel and intermediary, is a semiotic system combing photos, languages, videos and so on. From the perspective of Multimodality, Sanxingdui Ruins’ translation in Xinhua News Agency attracted many people’s attention across the world for its paratextual elements. Nowadays, we are entering into a fast-speed and changeable era, switching short videos, reading some short news and browsing brief information are the optimized options for the public to know global changes and current affairs. Thus, Sanxingdui Ruins’ news in Xinhua News Agency makes most use of this method to exchange Chinese archaeology’s development and culture, with the sound and strong reaction. Since the proposal of “going global” strategy, China is devoted to disseminating its traditional and valuable cultures to shape a great image and build a national discourse system. Then, as for the archaeological community, the example of paratext under multimodality provides a new pattern to translate the ancient but dull materials. What’s more, as for the international community, within multimodality framework, ongoing multi-polarity is backed firmly by paratextual news to knot the cultural ties with all the countries. Especially in the post-pandemic era with the rising uncertainties and instabilities, we should take a look at archaeology translation and its paratext to enhance multilateral archaeology diplomatic connection, so as to promote cultural diversity and even to drive the development of globalization.