论英语卡通电影片名的翻译_英语论文

On the Translation of English Cartoon Film Titles 

摘要

电影不仅是一种鲜活的艺术表现形式，也是重要的文化交流手段。在如今的中国电影市场中，英语卡通电影的播放比例在不断增长，越来越多的英语卡通片受到中国儿童和成人的喜爱。好的片名能为影片起到积极的宣传作用，刺激观众观看的欲望，所以翻译好片名对于英语卡通电影在中国市场的票房收入有着积极的推动作用。其次，从实际翻译操作来看，英语卡通电影片名翻译既要保持一定的原汁原味，还要考虑电影片名简洁并具有吸引力的特点，所以研究英语卡通电影片名的翻译具有一定的学术价值。

本研究在目的论的基础上通过列举英语卡通电影片名翻译的思考角度，分析中文译名的语言特点，总结出常用的翻译方法。研究表明电影片名在翻译时1:可以考虑人物特征、情节以及主题 2:要符合中国人的语言习惯，多使用四字词，动词以及魔幻类的词语，使标题生动形象。希望可以为相关的翻译研究提供借鉴和参考。

关键词：英语卡通电影片名；目的论；思考角度；语言特点；翻译方法

Abstract

As a vivid form of art, films are an important means of cultural transmission. In today's film industry, the proportion of English cartoon films is growing rapidly. The English cartoon film as a genre of the film is now not just for the children to enjoy, also appears many adults. Good titles can play a positive effect on the film and stimulate the audience to watch the film. As a result, translating film titles well plays an important role in promoting box office. Secondly, the translation of English cartoon film titles should not only keep original characteristic, but also abide by the features of the film titles, which are concise and attracting the audience. Therefore, it is of academic significance to study the translation of English cartoon film titles. 

Based on the Skopos Theory, this paper will focus on analyzing the linguistic features and summarizing the frequently-used translation strategies through listing thinking angles of English cartoon film title translation. Studies show that character, plot and theme could be considered firstly when we translate English cartoon film titles. Secondly, the translation should conform to the language habits of Chinese. It can use four-word phrases, verbs, magic words and fixed expressions to make the titles vivid. Thirdly, the translation should adhere to principles of translation and meet faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance. On this basis, some examples will be given to provide references for the relevant theoretical study.

Key words: English Cartoon Film Titles; the Skopos Theory; Thinking Angles; Linguistic Features; Translation Strategies

Contents

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Purpose and Significance of the Study 1

1.2 Organization of the Study 1

2. Literature Review 2

2.1 English Cartoon Films 2

2.2 Previous Studies on Cartoon Film Title Translation 3

3. Theoretical Background—Skopos Theory 4

3.1 The Definition of Skopos Theory 4

3.2 Three Rules of Skopos Theory 5

4. English Cartoon Film Title Translation 6

4.1 Purposes 6

4.1.1 Informative Purpose 6

4.1.2 Aesthetic Purpose 6

4.1.3 Commercial Purpose 6

4.2 Thinking Angles 7

4.2.1 Plot-based Perspective 7

4.2.2 Character- based Perspective 8

4.2.3 Theme-based Perspective 9

4.3 Linguistic Features 9

4.3.1 Employment of Verbs 10

4.3.2 Employment of ‘Magic Words’ 10

4.3.3 Employment of ‘Four-Word Expressions’ 10

4.3.4 Employment of Fixed Expressions 11

4.4 Strategies 12

4.4.1 Literal Translation 12

4.4.2 Free Translation 13

4.4.3 Transliteration 13

4.4.4 Adaptation 14

4.4.5 Supplementary Translation 15

5. Conclusion 15

References 17