从目的论角度浅析苏州公示语英译的现状_英语论文

A Brief Analysis of Current Situation of English Translation of Suzhou Public Signs from the Perspective of Skopos Theory

摘要

公示语翻译是翻译研究的一个新兴领域。随着中国对外开放步伐的迈进，公示语作为具有指示性、提示性、限制性、强制性应用功能的特殊文体，在宣传城市文化中是至关重要的。苏州作为重点风景旅游城市，对外联系和交流日益密切，公示语英译地位越来越高，已经成为外国人了解中国城市的一个窗口。

据调查发现，虽然苏州公示语英译的状况还是比较令人满意的，但是还是存在很多问题要解决。本论文就从五个部分来浅析苏州公示语英译的现状。第一部分分析了公示语的定义和目的，同时也分析了全国公示语英译的现状。第二部分按照公示语所处地点的不同，将苏州公示语分为五类并分析其翻译质量。第三部分从目的论的角度出发阐述了公示语英译的翻译原则和策略。最后一部分就苏州公示语存在的问题提出解决措施。

关键词：苏州公示语英译；目的论；问题；解决措施

Abstract

The translation of public signs is a fledgling branch of translation studies. With the development of China, public signs, a special style, which have directive, suggestive, restrictive and mandatory functions, are significant to popularize the urban culture. As a key tourist city, Suzhou becomes increasingly close with foreign countries. Therefore, the English translation of public signs is more and more important and becomes a window for foreigners to know the cities in China.

With a survey of English translation of public sigs in Suzhou, we find there exist many problems to be solved though the translation of public signs in Suzhou is to a large extent satisfying. This paper consists of four parts. In the first part, the paper will introduce the definition and purpose of public signs. At the same time, it also analyses the current situation of English translation of public signs throughout the country. In the second part, the paper classifies public signs in Suzhou into five types according to the location, and then analyses the translation quality. In the third part, the paper expounds the principles and skills of English translation of public signs from the perspective of skopos theory. In the last part, countermeasures are given about how to solve the problems of English translation of public signs in Suzhou.

Keywords: English translations of public signs in Suzhou; Skopos Theory; problems; Solutions

Contents

Acknowledgementsi

Abstract & Key words in Englishii

Abstract & Key words in Chinese iii

Introduction1

1. Literature review of public signs.2

1.1 Definition of public signs.2

1.2 Purpose of public signs.2

1.3 Current situation of English translation of public signs.3

2. The current situation of English translation of public signs in Suzhou.4

2.1 English translation of public signs in Suzhou4

2.2 The problems of English translation in Suzhou.5

2.2.1 In terms of guidepost translation.5

2.2.2 In terms of billboard translation6

2.2.3 In terms of shop signs translation.7

2.2.4 In terms of propaganda language translation in Suzhou7

2.2.5 In terms of Suzhou scenic spots’ introduction translation.10

3. Principles and skills of English translation of public signs from the perspective of Skopos Theory10

3.1 Definition of Skopos Theory11

3.2 Application of Skopos Theory11

3.2.1 Obeying “purpose rule”, knowing clearly the function and purpose of public signs.11

3.2.2 Obeying “coherence rule”, translating correctly and fluently 12

3.2.3 Obeying “fidelity rule”, expressing the meaning of public signs explicitly, respecting the differences between Chinese and western culture12

4. Solutions to the problems of English translation of public signs in Suzhou.12

4.1 In terms of guidepost translation12

4.2 In terms of billboard translation.13

4.3 In terms of shop signs translation14

4.4 In terms of propaganda language translation in Suzhou.14

4.5 In terms of Suzhou scenic spots’ introduction translation16

Conclusion18

References.19