从功能对等理论看英文儿童歌曲的翻译英语专业论文论文

1、从功能对等理论看英文儿童歌曲的翻译Translation of English Childrens Song from the Functional Equivalence TheoryAcknowledgementsBefore writing my graduate thesis, I have benefited a lot from my dear classmates and teachers. Their help is the main reason that I can complete this paper. At the first of this thesis, I mu

2、st express my sincere appreciation to thesis supervisor, Cheng Zhong, because of her careful guidance and meticulous attitude. And thanks to my classmate and friend Chen Lu, who gives me invaluable help for gathering materials and proposing unique perspective when I have been interning at a company

3、and there is no resources for me to search material by myself. I should extend my thanks to her, without her I cant make the paper to be what it is.The encouragement and interest both are the great motivations for me to complete this thesis and my patents give me such things when I am depressed of t

4、he lack of confidence for writing. I am so grateful and genuinely attribute achievement to them.Finally, I also thank to Anhui University of Science and Technology, giving me this platform to exercise and practice my skills and utilize what I have learned to finish this thesis.AbstractWith the adven

5、t of the era of globalization, the rapid development of the Internet and big data, the cultural exchanges among people of all countries is becoming increasingly close, where songs have become a crucial link in the cultural exchanges between people of all parts in the world. However, in academic circ

6、les at home and abroad, the study of song translation has not been paid much attention for a long time, especially the translation research of childrens songs. Therefore, at present, the translation of English childrens songs into Chinese has become an important issue that cannot be ignored. The qua

7、lity of childrens songs translation has a great influence on the spread of songs. It is found that Nidas functional equivalence theory has a very important guiding significance for the translation of English childrens songs into Chinese. The translation quality of English childrens songs is obviousl

8、y improved under the guidance of functional equivalence theory. Functional equivalence refers to the response of the target-language readers (the TT readers) should be basically the same as that of the source-language readers (the ST readers).Nida assumed that in the process of translation, if maint

9、aining the form of the original text will hinder the target-language readers from obtaining the same understanding and appreciation effect as the source-language readers, the translator should adjust the form appropriately to ensure the transmission of meaning, which is also the essential connotatio

10、n of the functional equivalence theory. From the point of view of functional equivalence theory, this paper makes a deep study on the Chinese translation of English childrens songs. First of all, this paper makes a brief introduction to NIDA and his theory. And then this paper introduces the three f

11、eatures of English childrens songs. Moreover, this thesis put forward with the basic principles of the translation of English childrens songs. Based on the essential connotation of the theory of functional equivalence, this paper, at last, discusses in detail how to achieve equivalence in the four a

12、spects of meaning, style, culture and readers reaction. More importantly, this article has taken a large number of examples to support the points, making this article more persuasive. Functional equivalence theory Childrens songs English songs TranslationKey words: Functional equivalence; Childrens

13、songs; English songs Translation摘要 全球化时代的到来，互联网大数据飞速发展，各国人民之间的文化交流日益紧密，歌曲已经成为各国人民交流的纽带。然而，在国内外学术界，歌曲翻译的研究长期未受到重视，尤其是儿童歌曲的翻译研究更是无人问津。所以，当下，儿童英文歌曲汉译已然成为一个不容忽视的重要问题。儿童歌曲翻译质量的好坏，对歌曲的传播有着极大的影响。经研究发现，奈达的功能对等理论对儿童英文歌曲汉译具有着非常重要的指导意义。在功能对等理论指导下进行的儿童英文歌曲汉译，其翻译质量明显提高。功能对等指的是译语读者的反应和原语读者的反应基本趋于一致。奈达强调，在翻译过程中，如果

14、保持原语文本的形式会阻碍译语读者获得和原语读者同样的理解和欣赏效果，译者应适当地调整形式以保证意义的传递，这也是功能对等理论的本质内涵。本文从功能对等理论角度出发，对儿童英文歌曲汉译进行深度研究。本文首先对奈达以及其理论做了简短的介绍，紧接着介绍了儿童英文歌曲的特点，又指出了儿童英文歌曲翻译的基本原则。再以能对等理论的本质内涵为基础，详细探讨了译后歌词是如何分别在语义，风格，文化和读者反应这四个方面达到对等。更重要的是，本文采取了大量的实例加以佐证，使本文更具有说服力。关键词：功能对等理论；儿童歌曲；歌曲汉译ContentsAcknowledgementsiEnglish Abstractii

15、Chinese AbstractiiiContentsiv1 Introduction11.1 An Introduction to Eugene A. Nida21.2 An introduction of Functional Equivalence Theory21.3 The Ways for Realizing Functional Equivalence32 The Features of English Childrens Songs102.1 Simple in the Lyrics Content and Idea102.2 Short in Length and Simpl

16、e in Structure122.3 Lively in Language and Bright in Rhythm143 Basic Principle of the Translation of English Childrens Song143.1 Singability163.2 Enjoyability163.3 Educability164 Functional Equivalence Theory to the Translation of English Childrens Song164.1 Achieving Equivalence in terms of meaning

17、164.2 Achieving Equivalence in terms of style164.3 Achieving Equivalence in terms of culture164.4 Achieving Equivalence in terms of readers reaction165 Conclusion18Bibliography191 Introduction1.1 An Introduction to Eugene A. NidaEugene A. Nida (November 11, 1914 August 25, 2011), who is born in Okla

18、homa, is a linguist who has put forward the dynamic-equivalence Bible-translation theory and he is also considered as one of the founders of the modern discipline of translation studies. He got his bachelor degree from the University of California, in which he majored in Greek in 1936. As he has a g

19、reat passion in language, Nida received his Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Michigan in 1943. Although he has gained great achievements in linguistics and translation studies, Nida has never worked for any colleges or universities as a professor or teacher. But he took a keen interest in

20、 sharing his experience with others, he always delivered speeches in many colleges and universities as a guest lecturer, such as Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University. Nida spent his whole life in the translation of Bible and in his translating period he formed his own translation

21、. Later his translation theory attracted the attention of the academic circles and became one of the most famous translation theories in the world. From 1945 to 1997, Nida published many works in translation study and linguistics. His textbook, for example, Morphology: The Descriptive Analysis of Wo

22、rds was one of the major works of American Structuralism, which has been regarded as the only thorough introduction to the field for many years. But when it comes to his most famous and notable contribution to translation theory, it must be the Dynamic Equivalence, also known as Functional Equivalen

23、ce.1.2 An introduction of Functional Equivalence TheoryNida has come up with many theories of translation, such as functional equivalence theory, theory of readers response, formal equivalence, and etc. And functional equivalence theory plays a greatest role in translation commodity. Functional equi

24、valence theory, also known as dynamic equivalence, is based on what Nida calls the principle of equivalent effect, where the relationship between receptor and message should be substantially the same as that which existed between the original receptors and the message(Nida 1964: 159). The message ha

25、s to be tailored to the receptors linguistic needs and cultural expectation and aims at complete naturalness of expression. Naturalness is a key requirement for Nida. Indeed, he defines the goal of dynamic equivalence as seeking the closest natural equivalent to the source-language message(Nida 1964

26、a: 166, Nida and Taber 1969: 12). This receptor-oriented approach considers adaptations of grammar, of lexicon and of cultural references to be essential in order to achieve naturalness; the TT language should not show interference from the SL, and the foreignness of the ST setting is minimized(Nida

27、 1964a: 167-8) in a way that would now be criticized by later culturally oriented translation theorists.For Nida, the success of the translation depends above all on achieving equivalent response. It is one of the four basic requirements of a translation, which are:1 making sense;2 conveying the spi

28、rit and manner of the original;3 having a natural and easy form of expression;4 producing a similar response.引用Nida and his translation theory have made a great contribution to the field of translation, because he introduced a receptor-based orientation to translation theory, which totally deferent

29、from the previous theorystrict word-for-word equivalence or literal equivalence. Compared with the traditional translation theories, which pay more attention on the form of language and the full expression of the ST, functional equivalence theory has focused on the response of the TT readers, which

30、steps a great progress in translation commodity. Therefore, the function equivalence theory argues that readers response should be regarded as a criterion of translation. 1.3 The Ways for Realizing Functional EquivalenceTo realizing the functional equivalence and break the cultural barriers, the fol

31、lowing ways need to be adapted:First of all, spear no effort to achieve an almost equivalent text of the original message, which maintains the original content and preserves the image, metaphor, national and local features of the original text. Because English and Chinese have different structures a

32、nd they both represent different cultures, it is not possible to find exactly the same equivalence for every cultural factor in each other. As a result, it is hardly to achieve a reproduction that fully expresses the cultural connotation of the original message. In this sense, a translator must maxi

33、mize the original culture.Second, in the process of translation, a considerable number of sentences cannot be translated well, that is to say, the target readers cannot understand the translated versions. At this point, the formal equivalence must be discarded, we can only use the appropriate way to

34、 convey the meaning of the original and reproduce the effect of the original. For example, to rain cats and dogs, if we translate it into “下猫下狗”, this translation will be very awkward and the target readers cannot understand the meaning of the original text. At this point, the cultural differences c

35、an be eliminated by changing the form of some vocabularies. Thus, to rain cats and dogs can be translated into “倾盆大雨”. The Chinese idiom, another example, “像只落汤鸡”, has always been translated into like a drowned rat, but not like a drowned chicken.Third, when the above two methods fail in the process

36、 of translation, the third method of re-creation must be employed. Re-creation refers to the transformation from the deep structure of the source language to the surface structure of the target language(Guo，2000: 67). For example, “John can be relied on, he eats no fish and plays the game.” can be t

37、ranslated into “约翰为人可靠，忠诚而又守规矩。”Some translators just translate it directly as: “约翰是可靠的，他不吃鱼，还玩游戏。” Such translations tend to be extremely confusing, because they do not understand the true meaning of “eat no fish and play the game.” But if we take the method of re-creation, the implied meaning behi

38、nd this sentence can be expressed well.In the translation of English childrens song, the above ways should be bear in mind and put into practice.2 The Features of English Childrens Songs 2.1 Simple in the Lyrics Content and IdeaEnglish Childrens Songs are simple in the lyrics content and idea When c

39、hildren are learning English as a second language, the most terrible thing is that the learning materials are not good to accept for them. Thus, the children will lose their interest of learning English. Teaching them English childrens song, however, will not encounter such a problem. Most of the th

40、ings in the lyrics of English childrens songs can be found around in the real world. English childrens songs are simpler than Chinese childrens songs, because the entry-level English childrens songs are mostly fruits, animals and so on. It is easy for children to master these songs. And the lyrics o

41、f English childrens songs are nave, simple, and they will not bring children any negative energy or bad things.2.2 Short in Length and Simple in StructureSecond, English Childrens Songs are short in length and simple in structure. Apart from the simple lyrics, the structure of the English Childrens

42、Songs is also very simple. Most Chinese childrens songs are within 10 sentences and have neat structures. Meanwhile, English childrens songs are roughly similar, but they are not as regular as Chinese childrens songs. Because of the short length and simple structure, the English childrens songs are

43、easy to remember, even if children are not particularly familiar with English, they can also quickly learn to hum out.2.3 Lively in Language and Bright in RhythmThird, English Childrens Songs are lively in language and bright in rhythm. Childrens song can spread to a large extent through the way of

44、the game, that is to say, childrens songs are complementary to the game. So, this requires childrens songs to be suitable to be sung in a relaxed environment, and to have a distinct musical and rhythmic rhythm. The lively language and bright rhythm of the English Childrens Songs can arouse the child

45、s enthusiasm to learn English. As one of the most commonly used and effective forms of teaching for childrens English enlightenment, English song songs, obviously, can attract childrens attention and improve childrens interest in learning English, and children do not be limited by the location to le

46、arn to sing English songs and even they do not bother to go to school for learning because their parents can take them to learn to sing different songs at home. The learning effect at home is even better than in a professional educational institution.3 The Three Basic Principle of the Translation of

47、 English Childrens Song 3.1 Singability Singability is a basic requirement of lyrics translation, and it is also an important factor for the translation of English childrens songs. The translation of English childrens songs is not only a literary translation, but also an art of sound. Therefore, the

48、 translator should have a certain knowledge of music, musical rhythm and melody and other factors, so as to create a translation that conforms to the singing habits of the target language singer, making the translation more singable. Because there is a corresponding relationship between the lyrics a

49、nd the music, the translation should be as consistent as possible with the original text on the sentence reading. If the translation is contrary to the sentence reading of the original text, which means the translation pauses in a place where the original text does not pause, or the translation does

50、 not pause in a place where the original text does pause, it may destroy the semantics of the translation because it does not match the sound and music.3.2 Enjoyability Enjoyability is a higher realm of song translation, and also a major factor to determine the quality of the translation. Translator

51、s should fully appreciate the beauty of the original song, and convey this aesthetic feeling to the translated audience. Translated lyrics should enable the target language readers, singers, and especially listeners to understand the charm of the original song, so as to get the enjoyment of beauty w

52、hen reading, singing and listening.3.3 EducabilitySome people think that English childrens songs are useless and that learning them will be a waste of time. This view is not right, on the contrary, music is the key to enlighten wisdom and can promote the development of intellectual intelligence of t

53、he children. A large number of facts show that the correct music education does have a positive role in promoting the development of childrens intelligence. Many highly intelligent celebrities, such as Confucius, Einstein, Lenin, are fond of music. It can be said that music on their career achieveme

54、nts have a certain impact. Einstein said that true science and true music require the same thought process, and if I do not receive music education in the early days, then I will accomplish nothing. More and more families in modern times for the development of children, do not hesitate to invest hea

55、vily in music education, where learning English childrens songs has become a popular trend. Thus, the translation of English childrens song should be of educability. In this way, kids can acquire second-language knowledge while listening to music. 4 Functional Equivalence Theory to the Translation o

56、f English Childrens Song4.1 Achieving Equivalence in terms of meaningNida has put forward his definition of translationtranslating consists in reproducing in the receptor language the closest natural equivalent of the source language message, first in terms of meaning and secondly in terms of style.

57、 This definition clearly points out that the essence and task of translation is to reproduce the source language information in the closest and the most natural equivalent language in the target text. In another word, he emphasizes the reproduction of source language information mainly from the ling

58、uistic point of view. Of course, there are commonalities in language, and there is translatability between different languages. Nida believes that anything that can be expressed in one language can be expressed in another language. Newmark also assumes that every meaning of the original text can be interpreted, so there is no doubt that anything is translatable. Translatability does not equal accuracy. Translators, however, can only try to understand the life and experience of the original authors and the national culture behind them as a cornerstone to understand the o