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安徽财经大学外国语学院英语系毕业论文Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Rationale In recent years, Chinese tourism has become one of the pillar industries of national economy. The vibrant development of tourism can not only stimulate the rapid economic development but also promote the cause of international cultural communication. The improvement of the quality of the translation versions of tourist guide, journal, tourist pamphlets and other tourist texts is surely to exert a far-reaching impact upon the development and cultural transmission.This essay is aiming at exploring effective and scientific translation strategies on the basis of Peter Newmarks Text Typology, Semantic Translation and Communicative Translation theories and “informative”, “expressive”, “inductive” text function through the combination of text classification, function, translation by Reiss, the Forerunner of modern functional theory. The application of the traditional translation theories in the practical situation will dramatically improve the quality of tourist texts, thus promoting the rapid development of tourism. 1.2 Literature ReviewBesides the German and American schools, the British translation theorist Peter Newmark also combines the linguistic functions with translation. On the basis of Karl Buhlers linguistic functionalist theory as well as Reisss Text Typology. In the book Approaches to Translation (Newmark, 1981:28), Newmark reclassifies various kinds of texts into three types: “expressive text”, “informative text”, “vocative text”, he also clearly points out that “ the main functions of language are expressive（the subjective and “I” form), the descriptive or informative (the “it” form), and the vocative or directive or persuasive (the “you” form) the minor function being the phatic, the metalingual, and the aesthetic. All texts have aspects of the expressive, the informative, the vocative functions.Newmarks text typology is concise and feasible which can be employed not only in literature translation but also in pragmatic translation. He indicated that semantic translation is used for “expressive text”, communicative for “informative text” and “vocative text” (New mark, 1998: 47). Its differences lie in that the target text in the former should be as close as the original on terms of form, structure, and word order. While the latter focuses on readers comprehension and response, namely, the effect of information transmission. In practicing, translator has to make the function of the text clear, and then adopt the corresponding strategies and skills to different part of the text. Because “few texts are purely expressive, informative, or vocative: most include all the three functions, with an emphasis on one of the three” (Newmark, 1998: 42).As famous professor of Beijing Foreign Studies University (彭萍，2010) concludes in her book Translation between Chinese and English in Tourism, the author systematically summarizes the translation strategies of tourist texts through the citation of many typical examples.1.3 Organization of the ThesisThis thesis is divided into five parts. The first chapter is the introduction, including the significance and the purpose of the research, the relevant literature review which summarizes the research results already achieved and the organization of the whole thesis. The central body of this paper will be divided into three parts. The second chapter mainly discusses Peter Newmarks translation theory. The passage illustrates the translation theory from two aspects, namely text, semantic translation and communicative translation. The third chapter makes a detailed introduction of the characteristics and classification and status quo of tourist texts. The forth chapter mainly discuss the application of Peter Newmarks theory in tourist texts translation. from the following three aspects; semantic translation; communicative translation which includes analogy, omission, amplification; the combination of semantic translation and communicative translation. The fifth chapter is the conclusion part. At the end of this essay, a list of all the documents the researcher has used to finish this survey is provided.Chapter 2 Peter Newmarks Translation Theory 2.1 About Text 2.1.1 The Definition and Characteristics of Text In the English language, According to Fang Zhimeng (2001, 48), text is generally possessed of three basic characteristics. Firstly, text is composed of several sentences and conversation with strong semantic coherence and structural cohesion for the purpose of the expression of a complete idea and the realization of certain communicative function; secondly, text is sure to have a theme, which combines all the sentences, that is to say, an independent text is the congregation of the sentences with a common theme; thirdly, text is the unit of meaning instead of formal unit which can be segmented form the language stream.2.1.2 Text & Translation Text translation has drawn in the outstanding research results, thus offering a totally brand-new perspective for the study of translation. Text translation is completely different from the translation of sentences, words & phrases for the fact that it has to attach great importance to the liaison and coherence of the whole text, sentences and phrases serving the whole text in a macro-context. Having overcome the drawback of purely translation of sentences and phrases, text translation has become a hot topic. When it comes to the Western functionalism of translation, German scholar pointed out that the translation functionalism refers to one or multifunctional research focusing upon text & translation. Reiss, Forerunner of modern functional theory has put forward “informative”, “expressive”, “inductive” text function through the combination of text classification, function and translation. 2.2 Semantic Translation and Communicative Translation2.2.1 Peter Newmarks Semantic Translation and Communicative TranslationPeter Newmark made an important contribution to the study of translation theory. His major contribution is the dichotomy of communicative translation and semantic translation, which have already been recognized as his most influential achievement in translation studies. Peter Newmarks communicative translation and semantic translation are believed to be more practical than idealized discussions on translation method: “I have proposed only two methods of translation that are appropriate to any text: (1) Communicative translation, where the translator attempts to produce the same effect on the Target Language readers as was produced by the original on the Source Language readers, and (2) Semantic translation, where the translator attempts, within the bare syntactic and semantic constraints of the TL, to reproduce the precise contextual meaning of the author” (Newmark, 2004: 39). From these words, communicative translation and semantic translation can be roughly distinguished.As this definition indicates, communicative translation focuses essentially upon the comprehension and response of TL receptors while semantic translation centers around the semantic content of the SL texts. To be more specific, “in communicative translation, the emphasis should be on conveying the message of the original in a form, which conforms to the linguistic, cultural and pragmatic conventions of TL. Both content and language are readily acceptable and comprehensible to the readership. 2.2.2 A Comparison between CT & STTo lend readers more concrete understanding of relevant knowledge about communicative translation and semantic translation, this part will conduct their mutual comparisons. The Differences between CT and STThese two kinds of translation have obvious difference, according to Peter New mark, the methods of communicative translation and semantic translation vary from each other in terms of the following aspects:Communicative translation addresses itself solely to the second reader, who does not anticipate difficultiesorobscurities, and would expect a generous transfer of foreign elements into his own culture as well as his language where necessary. Semantic translation remains within the original culture and assists the reader only in its connotations if they constitute the essential human (non-ethnic) message of the text.Communicative translation may gain in force and clarify what it loses in semantic content. The translator is trying in his own language to write a little better than the original, unless he is reproducing the well-established formulae of notesorcorrespondence. (Newmark, 2004: 39)Generally, a communicative translation tends to undertranslate. It uses more generic, hold-all terms to translate difficult passages. It is smoother, simpler, clearer, more direct, more conventional, conforming to a particular register of language. It is foremost to produce the same impactoreffect on SL readers and fulfill the function of TL texts to establish the communication between SL authors and TL readers. A semantic translation tends to overtranslate. It is more complex, more awkward, more detailed, more concentrated. It pursues the thought-processes and includes more meanings in its search for one nuance of meaning. Similarities between CT and STDespite the differences, communicative translation and semantic translation are also established largely on the common ground. They “may well coincide in particular, where the text conveys a general rather than a culturally bound message and where the matter is as important as the manner” (Newmark, 2004: 40). And they both comply with the usually syntactic equivalents for the two languages. That is to say, a translation can be moreorless semantic,ormoreorless communicative, but without complete division. Chinese scholar Liao Qiyi presented the following similarities (2001: 188 190)：Both communicative translation and semantic translation are rooted in cognitive translation, in which translators convert SL grammar to its common TL transpositions by reducing figurative elements like idioms and colloquialism to plain and literal expressions.All in all, the two translation methods cannot be employed separately in practice, they both comply with the usually syntactic equivalents for the two languages. That is to say, a translation can be moreorless semantic,ormoreorless communicative, but without complete division. Only if translators kept the two methods in a kind of harmony, would translation be successful.Chapter 3 Characteristics and Classification of English Tourist TextsTourism English is affiliated with application English, thus falling into the category of ESP. Tourism English is boasted with unique features and expression laws. The exuberant development of tourist activities spurs the expansion and transformation of tourism English3.1 Characteristics of Tourist TextsFirstly, the vocabulary used in tourist tends to be more concise, colloquial. Tourist activities are the relaxation acts of appreciation of exotic culture by channel of vocation; Secondly, simple vocabulary in tourism English make tourists understand the relevant information relaxingly in the process of tourist activities for example, a large volume of adjectives occurrence in the tourist texts is the prominent feature of tourist texts; Thirdly, against the backdrop of tourism globalization, tourism Englishs main target is foreign tourists. Tourist text cultural transmission, local customs, cross-cultural communication; Fourthly; in concrete tourist activities, tourist texts may associate with Customs procedures, transportation, accommodation, shopping, dining, sightseeing and currency convertion situation. Such specific vocabulary not only displays the phatic function but also reflects the vocabulary category of information conveyance.3.2 Classification of Tourist TextsTourist texts mainly refers the narration, description or introduction of scenic spots, tourist products, public signs, cuisine, tourist resources, works of arts, and relevant facilities associated with tourism. Word-related tourist materials conclude tourism guide, postcard, tourism pamphlets, video information, etc. On the basis of Reisss Text Classification, Peter New mark has his own Text Typology theory. He divides the text into “vocative text” (呼唤型)、“informative text” (信息型) 和 “expressive text” (表达型). Peter Newmark further points out the fact that the core of “expressive text” is the authors idea, which occupies a sacred position, thus personal factors constituting the main element of “expressive text” and forming the authors own language style and language acquisition. “informative text” focuses upon the outside context, so the core of such kind of text is precision and genuiness of information conveyance. The last is “vocative text” which focusing upon the vocative effects and effects of information transmission.3. 3 Status Quo of Tourist Texts TranslationThe past decades has witnessed the rapid development of Chinese tourism, an abundant of tourist translation materials occur, thus building an intangible bridge for propagation of Chinese culture. Even so, many problems exist. In recent years, scholars have made great academic contributions to the study of the translation of tourist texts from different perspectives. Due to the comparatively short translation history of Chinese to English tourist texts and the lack of relevant research materials, in this field, the development of the subject of translation of tourist texts is still at the elementary stage. Whats more, many researches still have the problems of incompleteness, repeated translation, and lack of originality, consecution and consistence. The following four parts give full expressions to the status quo of the translation of Chinese to English tourist texts. 3.2.1 Poly-Translation or Random-Translation of Generally-accepted Translation EditionWe all know that Nanjing is boasted with many scenic spots, cultural relics and charming natural scenery. “中山陵” is generally accepted to be translated as “Dr. Sun Yat-senMausoleum” while the writer is surprised to find the translation of “南京中山植物园”“Nanjing Botanical Garden mem. Sun Yat-sen” the wrong translation is sure to confuse tourists travelling to Nanjing. “雨花台” is a world-famous scenic spot of Nanjing, but there are various translation editions, too. In some places, it is translated as The Rain Flower Terrace”; in other cases, it is translated as “Yuhua Terrace” or “Yuhuatai”. Those strange and informal phenomena are sure to confuse the tourists.3.2.2 Serious Spelling ProblemsPublic signs are widely used in the scenic spots, with the intention of bringing convenience to tourists. However, we very often find the serious spelling problems in the pubic signs. This kind of phenomenon is ubiquitous. Example 1: Four variants of this bureau “南京中山陵管理局 ( 刘建刚，2001：18)1): The Administration Bureau of Dr Sun Yat-sens Mausoleum; 2): The Administration Bureau of Drs SUN YAT-SENs Mausoleum;3): The Administration of Dr Sun Yat-sens Mausoleum Scenic park; 4): Administration of Dr Sun Yat-sens Mausoleum. The standard translation edition is “The Administration of Dr Sun Yat-sens Mausoleum.3.2.3 Chinese-Style EnglishOwing to the limitations of knowledge of the English language and unavoidable influence of inveterate expression habit of Chinese language, the phenomenon of Chinese-styled English is ubiquitous in most tourist texts. For example we find the following sign XIAOLING TOMB OF THE MING DYNASTY.世界文化遗产-明孝陵旅游文化纪念品Example 2: WORLD CULTURAL INHERITAGEXIAOLING TOMB OF THE MING DYNASTY TOURIST AND CULTURAL SOUVENIRSThe above sentence is typically Chinese-style English. As a matter of fact, here the author wants to convey the meaning that you can buy tourist souvenirs. The key word is “souvenir”, the other words are all adjuncts, namely being subordinate to the key word. The more grammatically and culturally acceptable translation version is as follows.TOURIST AND CULTURAL SOVENIRS OF THE WORLD CULTURAL INHERITAGEXIAOLING TOMB OF THE MING DYNASTY3.2.4 Word Word Translation and the Subsequent DrudgeryThe main purpose of tourist advertising and publicity materials is to propagate and introduce the local customs, natural scenery to the tourists from all over the world, thus requiring the translators to give an objective and complete translation of the local landscape to show a panoramic view for the tourists. For example, very often we can find a brief introduction carved in a board or stone, offering the tourists the background information of the scenic spots, including the history, geography, and figures of the place they are sightseeing. The quality of these tourist texts directly affects the aesthetic feelings of the tourists. However, mechanical translation of tourist advertising and propagandist materials are prevalent in many scenic spots due to the ignorance of the vast cultural and linguistic differences between English and Chinese language and language habits, thus causing the semantic ambiguity, structural disorder, cultural misunderstanding, misleading information, etc. For example, we can find such a sentence in the publicity pamphlets of Nanking Bailuzhou Park:Example 3：明武宗南巡时，曾慕名到该园赏景钓鱼。 The emperor Mingwu had been fishing here. Here, the authors carelessness wrongly considers “Mingwu” as the name of the emperor. The grammatically acceptable translation version should be “Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty had been fishing here”.Chapter 4 the Application of Peter Newmarks theory in Tourist Text TranslationBy reviewing the studies on tourist texts and Peter