[摘要]：

现代英语翻译中常提到的两个翻译理论是等值理论和功能目的论，本文通过介绍等值理论和功能目的论，及对两个理论进行比较，肯定了功能目的论的相对优越之处，同时，也阐述了等值理论是具有其适用性的。在词汇方面，对等的情况是不同语言里都有表达相同意义的词汇。在句法方面，如果原语的主位可以被自然地放在目标语的主位上，可以实现一定程度的对等。在标记性与标记性结构中，尤其是在标记性，为了实现一定的语言效果，即使不对等，也要将作者所表达的效果译出，保留原文的风格。在篇章方面，意义连贯与意义隐含一致的文章可以适用等值理论。最后，对于等值理论的使用给出了自己的意见。

[关键字]：等值理论；适用范围；功能目的论；英汉翻译

Abstract:

The two frequently quoted translation theories are Equivalence Theory and Skopostheory. The latter does surpass the former as far as the purpose of translation is taken into consideration, yet the former still has its applicability. This paper offers a comparison of the two, focusing on the analysis of the applicability of equivalence theory from three general aspects, which are equivalence at word level, above word level, and at textual level. It is concluded that at word level, if two words have both the content meaning and the expressive meaning, the Equivalence Theory can be used. As for the level above word, if the theme in the original language can be put naturally in the target language, the Equivalence Theory can be used. At the textual level, special attention should be paid to the context, and to achieve the nearest equivalence, sometimes it is necessary to adapt it.

Key words: Equivalence Theory; Skopostheory; applicability; translation

1.    Introduction:
Since 1950s, Western translation and linguistic theory developed almost at the same time. Translators like to analyze translation works from the aspects of linguistics. In 1960s, Eugene A. Nida's Equivalence Theory becomes popular, which emphasizes equivalence between source language and target language [1]1-12. Then the Skopostheory was put forward, which emphasizes more on the purpose and communicative goals of translated works. It breaks through the rules of traditional translation and offers a brand new view [2]120-126. Therefore, Skopostheory is operational and enriches the translation theory. As to Equivalence Theory and Skopostheory, it is not right to judge which one of them is more appropriate, since they analyze and instruct English translation from different views. Therefore, the thorough analysis of the scope of application should be paid attention to. What is more, as an important and popular theory, equivalence theory do have its applicability. By generalizing the characteristic of each theory, and listing their own strengthens and weaknesses, this paper summarizes the advantages of Equivalence Theory, and its limitations, then concludes its applicable scope in English translation, hoping it will help in the future application of translation theory.