摘要：

目的论认为翻译是一项有目的的活动，所以翻译要受到目的的制约。本文以目的论为依据，分析了杨宪益和大卫.霍克斯在《红楼梦》的成语翻译过程中选用不同翻译策略的原因，探讨了翻译目的与成语翻译策略的重要关系。

关键词：《红楼梦》，成语翻译，杨宪益和大卫.霍克斯，目的论，翻译策略

Abstract:

In Skopos theory, translation is an activity for special purpose, thus translation is limited by translation aims. Based on the Skopos theory, this thesis analyses the reasons why Yang Xianyi and David Hawkes choose different strategies in the translation of four-character idioms in Hong Lou Meng. Besides, this thesis also discusses the significant relationship between Skopos and translation strategy of four-character idioms in Hong Lou Meng.

Key words: Hong Lou Meng, idiom translation, Skopos Theory, translation strategy

1. Introduction
Hong Long Meng is one of the four classics in Chinese Literature which represents the summit of Chinese classic novel, and it is absolutely a representation of linguistic perfection and an encyclopedia of Chinese culture. Idioms are special usages of language which have experienced hundreds of years’ development and are well-formed in structure. China has a long history and enjoys rich cultures which contribute plenty of idioms that express the wisdom of Chinese people. Chinese idioms are simple in form, but they have profound meanings. They also can be called set phrases, which refer to the idiom with four characters. Four-character idioms in Hong Long Meng test translators’ abilities, for they have passed from generation to generation and have Chinese cultural characteristics. It is well-known that language and culture are inseparable, and they work in tandem. The UK is far apart from China, and there are a huge difference between them, including geography, history, religious belief and customs. These differences are reflected in the two languages, especially in set phrases or we say four-character idioms.
So far, Hong Long Meng has been translated into many kinds of western versions, including more than ten English versions. Among them, two English versions are well-known. One is A Dream of Red Mansions translated by Yang Hsien-yi, and the other is The Story of the Stone rendered by David Hawkes. In this thesis, I would like to discuss the translation of four-character idioms in the two versions. From the angle of skopos theory, this thesis analyzes the differences of the purposes, backgrounds, clients, translators and target readers between the two versions, revealing that translation skopos have influenced the choice of translation strategies.