功能对等理论的应用 英文

Nida’s Functional Equivalence Theory and Application Abstract

In fact, the essence of Nida’s Functional Equivalence Theory﹙F-E Theory﹚emphasis that the functional equivalence of information instead of the direct formal equivalence in translation. The relationship between the target language receptor and the target text should generally be equivalent to that between the source language receptor and the source text. This paper presents the translation strategy in the application of proverb and advertisement and help readers use the F-E Theory flexibly. Then, the paper lays a certain foundation for our further translation study.

Key Words

Functional Equivalence Theory﹙F-E Theory﹚; Proverb Translation; Advertisement Translation.

Introduction

Being the kernel of the translation theory, Functional Equivalence Theory is proposed by Eugene Nida—the famous linguist and translator in America. His theories were introduced into China earlier which had a remarkable influence on the translation theoretical circle in 1960s and 1970s. Therefore, F-E Theory not only has a great impact on Chinese translation circle, but also gains a great many comments.

1. The essence of Nida’s Functional Equivalence Theory

﹙1﹚The Foundation of F-E Theory

1. Social Linguistics and Communicative Function of Language: Nida put Dynamic

Equivalence Theory﹙D-E Theory﹚forward from the perspective of social linguistics and communicative function of language, which is written in his book, Toward a Science of Translating, published in 1964. Afterwards, he replaced the D-E Theory with F-E Theory, because Function, as a form of communication in translation, which lays emphasis on the contents and results was more rational than Dynamic.

2. Chomsky’s transformational and generative grammar ﹙T-G Grammar﹚: According to the Surface Structure and Deep Structure of Chomsky’s T-G Grammar, Nida proposed that translation should mainly reflect the functional equivalence in the deep structure rather than formal correspondence in the surface structure. Thus, the translation text can be basically read, understood and appreciated in an original way. ﹙2﹚The Criterion and Principle of Translation

The essence of translation is paraphrasing: That is to say, paraphrasing the source text into the target language and make readers understand the meaning of source text through translation. In other words, Nida believes that the contents are more important than the form in translation. However, he also emphasized that although the form is in a second place, it does not mean the insignificance of the form. If form is neglected for the sake of contents, the translation text looks must be tedious and aesthetic feeling of the source text will disappear. On the other hand, if form is overemphasized, literal fidelity cannot be expressed properly. The translation text will be superficial and away from the point.

2. The Application of Nida’s Functional Equivalence Theory

﹙1﹚The Application of F-E Theory in Proverb Translation

Proverb is the magnificent treasure in human culture treasury. It is the accumulation and sublimation of various experiences in human’s long-term livelihood and social practice. Therefore, having a good command of using proverb helps people understand the thinking methods as well as the customs and habits of a nation. Then, we use F-E Theory to get a grip of proverb translation.