用功能对等理论分析《经济学人》中的习语翻译.doc

河 北 工 业 大 学 城 市 学 院
毕 业 论 文

作 者： 翟健 学 号： 098875
专 业： 英语
中文题目：用功能对等理论分析《经济学人》中的
习语翻译
英文题目： An Analysis of Idiom Translation in Economist from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence

指导者： 赵永欣 副教授

评阅者：

2013 年 6 月 日

毕业论文中文摘要

用功能对等理论分析《经济学人》中的习语翻译

摘要：本文作者通过研究著名外国报刊《经济学人》中最具翻译特色的习语翻译，应用功能对等理论分析习语的翻译策略。本文主要讨论功能对等理论的精髓、特点和习语的定义、特点；论述功能对等理论指导该报刊习语翻译的可行性及因语言，文化和其新闻特点导致的翻译局限性；列举实例，提出基于功能对等理论对《经济学人》中英汉习语翻译的指导方法。

关键词：《经济学人》，查看模板，检标点。
习语翻译，功能对等理论，翻译方法

毕业论文外文摘要

An Analysis of Idiom Translation in Economist from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence

Abstract: This paper aims to study idiom translation in the possession of the most striking translation characteristics in the renowned foreign magazine Economist, and applies functional equivalence theory to analyze translation strategy of idiom. The paper will elaborate main points and characteristics of functional equivalence theory and provide a specific account of the definition and classification of idioms. The writer will verify the feasibility in the practice of idiom translation in Economist and the limitation of translatability caused by language, culture and the news characteristics of this magazine. Based on functional equivalence theory, the translation strategies of idioms into Chinese will be discussed.

Key words: Economist, idiom translation, functional equivalence theory, strategies of translation

An Analysis of Idiom Translation in Economist from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence

by
Zhai Jian

under the supervision of
Zhao Yongxin

A thesis submitted to the School of Foreign Languages
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Bachelor of Arts

The School of Foreign Languages
Hebei University of Technology

June 2013

Acknowledgements
Four years’ time has elapsed, but my gratitude toward this college and some memorable teachers will never wither.
First, I am strongly indebted to Prof. Zhao Yongxin, my thesis supervisor, whose incisive suggestions, straightforward criticism and enlightened instructions have contributed a lot to the completion of my thesis.
Second, my sincere appreciation renders to Prof. Cen Xiuwen and Jing Yuan whose scholarly attainments, attractive personality and interesting teaching have been engraved deeply on my heart.
Third, my cordial thanks go to this college. It is Hebei University of Technology that provides me a sound study atmosphere and equips us with excellent teaching resources, which together form a solid backup and give me great impetus in pursuing my post-graduate university life.
Last but not least, I would like to extend my profound love and innermost thanks to my family for their contribution to my mental and material aspects.

Contents翟健，我觉得这样的讨论思路通畅多了。

1. Introduction 1
2. Literature review 2
2.1 Nida’s functional equivalence (FE) theory 2
2.2 Idiom translation 4
3. Application of the theory toDiscussion of
idiom translation in Economist 5
3.1 Feasibility of不要。
applying the theoryFE
to idiom translation in Economist 6
3.2 Limitation复数。
of translatability 6
3.2.1 Influence of language and culture 6
3.2.2 Influence of Economist’s news characteristics 8
4. Strategies of translation into Chinese idioms based on FE theory 10
4.1 Literal translation 10
4.2 Free translation 10
4.3 Restituting 12
4.4 Adding 13
5. Conclusion 13
References 14
Appendix 15

An Analysis of Idiom Translation in Economist from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence
1. Introduction
查模板，空行！
As the economic globalization deepens, economic exchanges among countries are bound to have paramount importance. As the bridge of communication, economy-related translation needs to be shed light on. Economist is an influential and authoritative magazine, acting as a melting pot of various messages. However, idiom expressions in this magazine always loom like a stumbling block, which impels me to have a research on idiom translation by applying the ever-lasting functional equivalence. Moreover, the fact that the present research on idiom translation theory of Economist is disappointingly gloomy justifies the necessity of my conduct.
The striking translation characteristics carried by idiom is a representative subject of research. Idiom is the quintessence of language and a mixed bag of incisiveness, vitality, rhyme and profundity. If used to the point, idiom can add enjoyment to article. Meanwhile, it is abundant in figures of speech and allusions that are deeply rooted in culture, which makes it a hard nut in translation (Lin Xiaohong, 2007).
Besides, as my favorite English-language magazine, Economist owns world-class think tank of commentators and editors who are skillful to express their innovative and in-depth opinions in a freshly and incisively humorous fashion. Adhering consistently to forward-looking and pioneering academic spirit, it has served like a wonderland for educated people and steadily intensified its academic stout in the world, which is thus worthy to be researched.
At home, there are numerous researches on idiom translation in literary works, but seldom in internationally prestigious business magazines, such as Economist. This thesis boldly takes a precedent in the hope of filling this vacancy. China, an awakening dragon, is matching by bounds and leaps towards the goal of renewal, comprehensively exposed in fierce global competition. Hence, it is of great significance to grasp latest information and outperform in material collection and translation. Admittedly, research on foreign business magazines’ translation is in dire need, reflecting the necessity of writing this thesis.
This research will be carried out by presenting concrete examples, which are used as my translation exercise in preparation for the post-graduate examination. 建议删！这部分应该客观陈述本论文的主题，要讨论的主要内容。可以把摘要部分拿来用。
Therefore, it exemplifies the notion that any theory should combine with practice. Moreover, Nida’s functional equivalence theory will be introduced to apply for the idiom translation of a modern magazine and successfully explore its feasibility of instruction, thus offering an applicable theory to future translation practice in related field. Meanwhile, in consideration of the lack research on Economist’s translation, my trial will serve as a modest spur to induce more scholars and specialists to come forward with their valuable contributions in studying translation theory of foreign magazines like Economist.
In short, this research on idiom translation in Economist from the perspective of functional equivalence is bound to benefit all readers and translation practitioners, and will arouse scholars’ attention.

2. Literature review我局的原来这里有一段简介挺好的，为什么将其删除了？

2.1 Nida’s functional equivalence (FE) theory
According to Ye Zinan’s brief conclusion, “functional equivalence is to have the translated version get the same responds from readers of the receptor language as the original gets from the readers of the source language” (Ye Zinan, 2007). Nida not only introduced the translation theory from minimal, realistic and maximal, idealistic level respectively, but also proposed two categories of equivalence, namely, formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence. As decade’s elapsed, Nida remains a mover and shaker in translation field and substantial contemporary translation practices stick to his prominent functional equivalence theory. But inevitably, some dissents like Bassnet and Newmark shaked Nida’s authority and put forth their improved counterparts. In my view, every theory must stand the error and trial and gradually comes to more perfect. Functional equivalence still performs instructive function in translation, and translators should take great attention on its theoretical essence instead of gazing at the flaw blindly.
Eugene A. Nada, a leading authority in translation field, offered a succinct definition of functional equivalence in his book Language and Culture: Translation Context, which expounded the minimal and maximal versions. The former definition is that “The readers of a translated text should be able to comprehend it to the point that they can conceive of how the original readers of the text must have understood and appreciated it” (E.A.Nida, 2002). The latter definition is that “The readers of a translated text should be able to understand and appreciate it in essentially the same manner as the original readers did” (E.A.Nida, 2002). In effect, the minimal realistic equivalence theory is fundamental guidance in the course of translation, whereas, the maximal level of equivalence is more demanding which requires translators’ profound translation accomplishment and rich experience, hence, the tower of ivory in translation career.
Furthermore, Nida postulated two approaches to translation in details, namely, formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence which was later changed into functional equivalence so as to remove the misunderstanding from the word “dynamic”. The former attempts to render the text word-for-word (at the expense of natural expression in the target language, if necessary), while the latter attempts to convey the thought expressed in a source text (at the expense of literalness, original word order, the source text’s grammatical voice, etc., if necessary) (Nida and Taber, 1969).
Nida firstly came up with the principles of dynamic equivalence in Toward a Science of Translating, which he defined as “the relationship between receptor and message should be substantially the same as that which existed between the original receptors and the message” (Nida, 1964). Meanwhile, he defined dynamic equivalence translation as “the closet natural equivalent to the source-language message” (Nida, 1964). He then elaborated that the basic features are consisted of the following characteristics in the hope of triggering similar response between the source text readers and the target ones.
⑴ Equivalent, which points toward the source-language message.
⑵ Natural, which points toward the receptor language.
⑶ Closest, which binds the two orientations together on the basis of the highest degree of approximation. (Nida, 1964)
As a matter of fact, the “closest” means that due to linguistic and cultural differences between two languages, it’s impossible to reach absolute equivalence between source text and target text. Therefore, in possible scope trying to find equivalence to the greatest extent should be pursued. The “natural” means that the target text should be accepted by its readers not only on the level of language but also on the level of culture and mentality. In short, “natural” refers to the smoothness and readability of the target text. Finally, the “equivalence” does not mean “absolute sameness” but only a “relative sameness” and “equivalence” has many different layers according to different translation aims (Bao Lei, 2007).

2.2 Idiom translation
In daily life, in order to avoid redundancy and misunderstanding, we are inclined to pick succinct and incisive words to express ourselves and always try to make full use of both economical and meaningful ways of expressions to represent our thoughts. Using idiom is the optimum selection, which can furnish plain language. Both languages of English and Chinese have rich stocks of idioms and people from both nations benefit a lot from these precious resources (Zhou Li, 2006).
Consulting dictionary for accuracy, we will know that “Idiom: a phrase which mean something different from the meanings of the separate words; the way of statement typical of a person or a people in their use of language.” (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English) An linguist Fernando reckons that “Idiom are indivisible unites whose components cannot be varied or varied only within definite limits．．．Nor are the words of an idiom usually recombinable．．．All idioms are not grammatically regular.”(Fernando, Chitra, 1996)
To make it brief, an idiom is a habitually-used and fixed multiword unit or combination(including phrase and short sentence) which is understood or explained as a whole and whose meaning is different from the components standing alone (Zhou Li, 2006).
Taking above-mentioned results into consideration, we can extract two criteria on which to decide whether an expression is an idiom or not: ⑴ An idiom must be well established and accepted through common practice. We refer to “rain cats and dogs” instead of “rain dogs and cats” to refer to the big four. ⑵ An idiom usually has an implied meaning, which means the interpretation cannot follow its literal meaning (Liu Cailan, 2005). For instance, “carry coal to Newcastle” implies taking a superfluous action and cannot be understood from the superficial meaning.
A stock of idioms is endowed by the development of human history and the result of sublimation of civilization. Generally speaking, idioms belong to the following categories; set phrases; proverbs; slang; two-part allegorical saying, etc.(Zhou Li, 2006).
Given that this thesis majorly pivots on analyzing the English-to-Chinese translation of set phrases and proverbs, the two categories will be emphasized in particular. In English idiom, set phrase or fixed phrase is universally established and does not necessarily embody any literal meaning in and of it. In Chinese word, set phrase is familiarized as “成语”. Owing to the fact that it is often made up of four characters, it is further named as “四字成语”. As a matter of course, set phrase occasionally has more or less than four characters, which makes it more flexible and various. Plain and easily understandable as it is, the majority of proverbs are metaphorical. Functioning like codes of conduct, proverb often enlightens people in a terse and implicit manner.

3. Application of the theory to id修改小标题。原来这下面有一小段为过渡段，为什么删了？我觉得加上好。
iom translation in Economist
3.1 Feasibility of applying 修改小标题。
the theory to idiom translation in Economist
Having probed into Nida’s translation theory and cracked numerous Economist’s articles, the writer is highly convinced of the strong applicability of FE theory to idioms translation in this magazine. The upcoming three reasons are in favor of my argument.
⑴ Reproduce the writing style of original text. Nida defined translating as reproducing in the receptor’s language the closest natural equivalent of the source-language message, first in terms of meaning, and secondly in terms of style. Therefore, his theory attached great importance to maintaining the original style and increasing readability. Economist is rich in humor, wit and stern sarcasm and poses distinct political and economic stance; thus,