The Analysis of the Translation of Film Titles under the Guidance of Skopos Theory

By Li Shihao

In partial fulfillment of the requirement

For the B. A. degree

Department of English

College of Liberal Arts

Nanjing University of Information Science amp; Technology

May, 2018

Contents

Acknowledgements II

Abstract III

摘要 IV

1 Introduction 1

2 The importance of title translation 1

2.1 The influence of contemporary English films 1

2.2 The meaning of movie title translation 2

2.2.1 Functions of movie titles 2

2.2.2 The importance of Chinese titles 3

3 Skopos theory 4

3.1 The introduction of Skopos theory 4

3.2 Application principles 4

3.2.1 Skopos rule 4

3.2.2 Coherence rule 4

3.2.3 Loyalty rule 4

3.3 The significance of Skopos theory 5

3.4 The situation of Skopos theory in China 5

4 The link between movie traits and translation 5

4.1 Classifications and characteristics of movies and titles 5

4.1.1 Adventure movies 6

4.1.2 Lyric movies 6

4.1.3 Science fiction movies 6

4.1.4 Comedy movies 6

4.1.5 Tragedy movies 6

4.2 Features of movies and titles 7

4.2.1 Language characteristics 7

4.2.2 Cultural characteristics 7

4.2.3 Business characteristics 7

4.3 The purpose of film title translation 8

5 Movie title translation methods 9

5.1Factors affecting translation 9

5.1.1 The way of thinking 9

5.1.2 Cultural connotation 10

5.1.3 Aesthetic concept 10

5.1.4 Commercial value 11

5.2 Method of translating English film titles into Chinese 11

5.2.1 Transliteration 12

5.2.2 Literal translation 12

5.2.3 Liberal translation 13

5.2.4 Rename method 14

6 Conclusion 14

References 16

Acknowledgements

Firstly, I prefer to give my teacher Ms. Zhang Lan my gratitude. She provides me with a lot of help during this period. Besides, she also helps me solve various kinds of problems patiently. I can not finish this paper without her help and supervision.

Secondly, I must thank my advanced English teacher Mr. Zhang Jun. He is a knowledgeable and strict teacher. In his course, I not only gained much knowledge, but also learned his serious attitude to study. Many of his words have had a great influence on my study and life.

Finally, I would like to thank my friends and families. They are my reliable helper. They have given me much help during this time, both physical and spiritual. Their concern helped me to complete this article successfully

The Analysis of the Translation of Film Titles under the Guidance of Skopos Theory

Li Shihao

Department of English

College of Liberal Arts

Nanjing University of Information Science amp; Technology

Abstract: As an important modern art, film plays a very important role across all nations. It appears in modern history and combines with the advanced technology. Although the history of film is very short, film has been very popular. Film influences the whole world in a fantastic speed. Nowadays, the international connection about films has been developing rapidly. English movies are the most important part of modern movies. As the foremost impression of the film to the audience, the title is the first representative of the film. Translating the film title in a right way is very meaningful under the circumstances. As a classical translation theory, Skopos may help us a lot.

Key Words: film, title, translation, Skopos

摘要：作为一门重要的现代艺术，电影各个国家地区都扮演着非常重要的角色。 它出现于近代，与先进的科技相结合。虽然历史很短，但却深受欢迎。电影以惊人的速度影响整个世界。 当前，世界范围内的电影交流正在快速发展。 英语电影是现代电影最重要的部分。作为电影传递给观众的最早印象，标题是电影的第一代表。 在这种情况下，以正确的方式翻译电影标题是非常有意义的。 目的论作为一种经典的翻译理论，或许对我们有很大的帮助。

关键词：电影；片名；翻译；翻译目的论

1 Introduction

As an important form of art, the film has made great progress and formed a complete industrial system in the past decades. The film overlaps with many forms of art: literature, music and drama. It is closely related to people's lives. With the improvement of living standards, Chinese people have a higher pursuit of entertainment culture. Watching movies is a form of entertainment that suits everyone. Watching movies can not only entertain people, but also help people grow their knowledge. As a result, a higher number of international movies have entered the Chinese market and have become important cultural communication media. More and more foreign films enter the Chinese market. The translation of movie titles is definitely necessary. The translation of movies isn't similar with other translation. It requires a creative translation according to the content of the film and the actual needs. It is different from the kind of translation that is strictly according to the author's intention and strives to be similar.

Translating movie titles not only requires the basic knowledge and language ability of the translators, but also requires translators to have some understandings of the features of Chinese culture and foreign culture. The successful translation is interesting and thought-provoking. It can attract the attention and favor of the audience with its profound cultural connotation and vivid language. It can certainly influence the box office. Therefore, the research work on film title translation not only has a positive significance for the general audience, but also has a profound significance in the field of translation. Simultaneously, cultural exchanges play an irreplaceable role.

2 The importance of title translation

2.1 The influence of contemporary English films

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