目的论视角下化妆品说明书的汉译

E-C Translation of Cosmetics Instructions from the Perspective of Skopos Theory

Abstract

Cosmetics instructions, as a “bridge” between the producer and consumers, present the most important details about the product. Besides, well-organized cosmetics instructions can also help with the sales promotion. Good translation of cosmetics instructions is supposed not only to convey its information accurately but also to fulfill its functions well. The translation of cosmetics instructions will become better under the guidance of skopos theory. 

This paper deals with the E-C translation of cosmetics instructions from the perspective of skopos theory, aiming at enriching the study of E-C translation of cosmetics instructions. The paper begins with a brief introduction of the components and functions of the cosmetics instructions, followed by a summary of some key points of skopos theory, including its three rules, that is, skopos rule, coherence rule and fidelity rule. Considering some major problems in the process of translating English cosmetics instructions, such as lexical mistakes, semantic mistakes, and other mistakes, the author of this paper suggests accordingly six translation methods guided by skopos theory, including conceptual shift, amplification, omission, division, replacement and rewriting. Finally, it is highlighted in the conclusion of the paper that skopos theory, if applied well in the translation of cosmetics instructions, can help achieve the goals of meeting consumers’ requirements and thus promoting sales of products.

Key words: E-C translation of cosmetics instructions; Skopos theory; translation mistakes; translation methods