The Translation and Interpretation of Tujia Love Songs “Young Girl” and “Got up in the Early Morning”

Tujia Minority is a significant ethnic group in Enshi, Hubei province. Its love songs constitute a large part of Enshi folk songs and exhibit a wealth of artistic and cultural connotations. This article provides translations of two Tujia love songs, “Young Girl” and “Got up in the Early Morning,” discusses the meanings and functions of the songs’ essential liner notes; and interprets the songs from a cultural perspective. It combines both translation and cultural theories to help readers better understand Tujia folk songs and Tujia culture. When translating Tujia love songs, we should consider the meanings and functions of liners notes as well as the rhythms of each line of the lyrics. Furthermore, the lyrics and liner notes embody cultural meanings that demonstrate Tujia people’s attitudes towards love and life resulting from Tujia’s history and natural environment. Tujia love songs are the result of the fusion of literature and music and have social implications. They reflect Tujia young people’s attitudes towards love and marriage and are inextricably linked to Tujia’s daily life. With an interpretation of these love songs, readers will better understand the Tujia people’s life and history and then realize the significance of Tujia folk songs in Chinese folk culture.