English-Chinese Translation of Song Lyrics from the Perspective of Skopos Theory

English-Chinese Translation of Song Lyrics from the Perspective of Skopos Theory

By Chen Haijiao

In partial fulfillment of the requirement

For the B. A. degree

Department of English

School of Languages and Cultures

Nanjing University of Information Science amp; Technology

April, 2016

Contents

 1.Introduction................................................................................................................2

1.1The Significance of the Study...............................................................................2

1.2The Background of the Study...............................................................................2

1. Song Lyrics and Poetry...............................................................................................2

2.1The Comparison between Song Lyrics and Poetry...............................................2

2.2The Main Features of Song Lyrics........................................................................3

1. Skopos Theory.............................................................................................................3

3.1The Introduction of Skopos Theory......................................................................3

3.2The Development Process of Skopos Theory.......................................................4

1. Application of Skopos Theory in the Translation of Song Lyrics..............................5

4.1 Reproduction of Aesthetic Function....................................................................5

4.2 Reproduction of Rhetoric Effects........................................................................7

4.3 Imitation of Sentimental Feelings........................................................................9

1. Conclusion..................................................................................................................9

References.....................................................................................................................10

Acknowledgment..........................................................................................................11

English-Chinese Translation of Song Lyrics from the Perspective of Skopos Theory

Chen Haijiao

Academy of Foreign Language and Culture, NUIST, Nanjing 210044, China

Abstract: With the development of intercultural communication, more and more excellent foreign songs are introduced into China, which makes the English-Chinese translation of song lyrics more and more important. Being a particular form of poetry, lyrics is very difficult to translate and the monographs and studies of the translation of lyrics are still very few so far. This paper starts with the status quo of domestic lyrics translation and compares the main features of poetry and lyrics. Then, the author briefly introduces Skopos Theory as well as its development, and the application of which in the translation of song lyrics are explored through three aspects: reproduction of aesthetic function, reproduction of rhetoric effects and imitation of sentimental feelings. Skopos theory provides a significant theoretical basis for English-Chinese translation of song lyrics. Finally, the author puts forward conclusion of English-Chinese translation of song lyrics.

Key words: lyrics translation; poetry; Skopos Theory; aesthetic function; rhetoric effects

摘 要：随着各国间文化交流的深入发展，越来越多的优秀外国歌曲流传到中国，使得歌词的英汉翻译变得日益重要。作为诗歌的一种特殊形式，歌词翻译非常困难，而且关于歌词翻译的研究论著至今仍很少。本文从国内歌词翻译的现状着手，并比较了诗歌和歌词的主要特点。随后笔者简要介绍了功能翻译理论及其发展，并从审美再现，修辞效果再现和情感模仿等三个角度探讨了功能翻译理论在歌词翻译中的应用。功能翻译理论为歌词的英汉翻译提供了重要的理论依据。最后，笔者对歌词的英汉翻译做出了总结。

关键词：歌词翻译；诗歌；功能翻译理论；美学功能；修辞效果

1.Introduction

1.1The Significance of the Study

Being a particular literary genre, song lyrics has unique form and connotation. Artists from all over the world has been composing distinctive song lyrics of various forms. However, only when song lyrics are translated into their own language, can those songs be spread widely. Translation of song lyrics that have been widely sung can help people acquire better understanding, comprehension and respect of other countries and nations; it can also promote international communication and friendship. Song lyrics that have been translated will become easier for people to accept, help people deepen their understanding of the songs’ meaning. Meanwhile, the poetic flavor and musicality are bidirectional complementary and can produce aesthetic value, which plays a big role in affecting people’s spirituality and aesthetics culture. However, not everyone has a linguistic talent and it is impossible to know all languages in the world. That means there will be a lack of beauty what listeners can sense from the songs, if they don’t actually understand the lyrics.

Therefore, in order to improve the situation, a systematical study into English-Chinese translation of song lyrics from the perspective of Skopos Theory is very necessary.

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