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.

Some English proverbs have no profound meaning or obscure allusion but merely

words

and

phrases

combination

in

a

plain

and

straightforward

way.

For

Example,

Health is wealth

can be translated into Chinese

“

健康就 是财富

”

;

when three know it,

all know it

can be translated into Chinese

“

三人知 ，天下晓

”

. This kind of proverbs

can

be

comprehended

literally

so

that

word-for- word

translation

will

not

bring

any

problems. However, the other kinds of proverbs have rather distinctive difference in

cultural background, thinking pattern, standard of behaviors and lifestyle.

According to the difference of culture and lifestyle between China and west, we

can easily understand that why the latter is more acceptable than the former one. For

this reason, the characteristics of distinctive culture and language and beauty in sound,

form and sense can all be expressed through the F-E Theory.

﹙

2

﹚

The Application of F-E Theory in Advertisement Translation

The style of the ad language is often distinctive and inspiring and it should catch

the

customers

’

attention

immediately

through

its

special

affection,

stimulating

people

’

s desire to buy. Thus, the proper use of ad language makes further influence

and much meaning than ad itself. Some ads aphorism spread all over the world and

are

widely

known

by

every

family.

To

make

the

commercial

ads

successful,

the

impact of the translation of ad language should be equal to the original ad language.

We can find out the meaning of the

source text from the target language accurately

under the instruction of F-E Theory

1.

The Feature of Advertisement Language

（

1

）

Brief

Being restricted by many limitations such as time and money, advertisements are

always

hoping

to

appeal

the

viewers

’

attentions.

Many

famous

English

ads

win

by

their preciseness. For example,

Intelligence everywhere

.

﹙

MOTOROLA

﹚

（

2

）

Colloquialism