German-Functionalist-Theories-德国功能翻译理论

1、2021/3/1412021/3/142Contents Introduction Translation Criticism Text types and their functions2021/3/1431. Introduction 1.1 Background Information Functionalist approach to translation are another influential trend in modern translation studies. They were developed in Germany in the late 1970s. Prom

2、inent figures of the school: Katharina Reiss, Justa Holz-Manttari, Hans J. Vermeer and Christiane Nord.2021/3/1441.2 Main Viewpoints of this School Since the prevalent equivalence-based linguistic translation theorists held the view that any target text that was not equivalent (as far as possible) t

3、o the corresponding source text was a non-translation, the German Functionalists became increasingly dissatisfied with the relationship between translation theory and practice and proposed their own functionalist approaches to translation. Here functionalist means focusing on the function or functio

4、ns of texts and translations, and functionalism is a broad term for various translation theories that approach translation in this way. (Nord 1997:1)2021/3/1451.3 Representatives and their TheoriesuKatharina Reiss and functional category of translation criticism As early as 1971 Katharina Reiss intr

5、oduced a functional category into her objective approach to translation criticism. Her book Possibilities and Limits of Translation Criticism: Categories and Criteria for a Fair Evaluation of Translations(1971) may be regarded as the starting point for the scholarly analysis of translation in German

6、y. 2021/3/146 Taking equivalence as her basis, Reiss develops a mode of translation criticism based on the functional relationship between source and target texts. According to Reiss, the ideal translation would be equivalence. However, she finds that there are two exceptions from the general purpos

7、e of achieving equivalence: When the target text is intended to achieve a purpose or function other than that of the original, functionality(i.e. Adequacy to the intended function) takes precedence over equivalence. When the target ext addresses an audience different from the intended readership of

8、the original, reader-orientedness takes precedence over equivalence.2021/3/147uHolz-Manttari and her Action Theory The theoretical basis of functional approaches to translation is action theory put forward by von Wright and Rehbein and communication theory. This reflects clearly in Holz-Manttaris th

9、eory and methodology of translational action in which she even avoids using the term translation in the strict sense. She defines translation as a complex action designed to achieve a particular purpose. The purpose of translational action is to transfer message across culture and language barriers

10、by means of message transmitters produced by experts. She focuses on the actional aspects of the translation process, the role of the participants and the situational conditions such as time, place and medium in which translation activities take place. She also pays special attention to the status o

11、f the translator.2021/3/148uVermeer and the Skopos Theory The skopos theory is an attempt to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Vermeer considers translation a type of human action, which is intentional, purposeful behavior that takes place in a given situation.2021/3/149uNord and Functiona

12、lity plus Loyalty Nord supports functionalist approaches to translation both in translator training and practice and she attempts to refine Vermeers model by putting forward her own functional model: functionality plus loyalty. Functional approaches take into consideration the function or functions

13、of texts and translation in the real situation of professional translation, and shift away from the then predominantly equivalence-based linguistic- oriented translation theories.2021/3/14101.4 Value and Limitation This approach really have great practical value for professional translators, especia

14、lly for those who work on non-literary texts. Whether they are applicable to literary translation remains to be testified in the future.2021/3/14112.Translation Criticism2.1 Definition 翻译评论可指对翻译过程及译品进行的(艺术或科学)分析与评价(analysing and evaluating)。这并非全面定义,但由之可明确翻译批评的主要对象:不仅包括评价翻译活动的结果(译品),还包括追溯翻译过程(分析与评论译者

15、动机、工作态度、翻译方法等)。翻译批评至少应包含翻译过程及译作,由下述定义可予确认:翻译批评即参照一定的标准。对翻译过程及其译作质量与价值进行全面的分析与评价.(中国翻译词典:184)2021/3/14122.2 Significance Translation criticism acts as a policeman. It is he who safeguards the leagal rights of the original author. It is he who fights against plagiarism and cribbing. Translation can ne

16、ver proceed in an orderly way unless monitored by translation criticism. Translation criticism acts as a doctor. It is he who firstly points out what is wrong or amiss with the translated script and then the translators are able to polish their works. Translation criticism acts as a judge. It is him

17、 who the clients may have recourse (求援) to when a dispute appears between different translators.2021/3/14132.3Traditional Approaches to Translation CriticismFedelityFaithfulnessLoyaltyEquivalenceFunctionalismmDeconstructionismStructuralismTranslation WorkshopSocio-cultural TheoryPolysystem TheoryMan

18、ipulation TheoryTraditional Approaches to Translation Criticism in the west2021/3/1414Traditional Approaches to Translation Criticism in China按本按本求信求信神似神似化境化境follow the ST closelyFaithfulness, expressiveness and elegancespiritual similarityThe acme of perfection2021/3/14152.4 Conclusion Translation

19、is similar to a product with special functions so that we should pay more attention to the producing process rather than checking its quality after it is completed. That is to say, the quality of the translated script itsef matters most and translators should be responsible when doing their work. We

20、 should not rely on the translation critics too much since translation criticism sometimes is inadequate. Katharina Reiss once said that one of the causes for the inadequacies of translation criticism may be traced to the wide variety views as to what a translation should or can achieve, or even the

21、 doubt as to whether translation is in fact all possible.(Katharina Reiss 2005:7)2021/3/14163. text types and their functionsTypeFunction Examplereferentialreference to objects and phenomena of the worldIts raining.(下雨了)expressiveexpression of the senders attitude or feelings towards the objects and

22、 phenomena dealt with in the textIts bloody pissing down again!(讨厌,又下雨了!)appellativeappealing to the receivers experience,feelings, knowledge, sensibility Wait here till it stops raining!(等雨停了再说吧!)phaticestablishing, maintaining or finishing contactNasty weather again,isnt it?(见鬼的天气又卷土重来了,你没感觉到吗?)A

23、Translation-oriented Model of Text Functions(Christiane Nord)2021/3/1417 referential functioninformative function( a traffic accident)metalingual function(a particular use of language)instructive function( the correct way of handling a washing machine)teaching function( e.g Geography)2021/3/1418expr

24、essive functionemotive function(expression of feelings)evaluative function(expression of evaluation)2021/3/1419appellative functionTypeIntended reactionillustrative functionrecognition of something knownpersuasive functionadopt the senders viewpointimperative functiondo what the sender is asking for

25、pedagogical function(教育功能)learn certain forms of behavioradvertising functionbuy the product2021/3/1420Phatic function salutational function small talk function peg functionE.g: A hotel list edited by the tourist agency of the German city of Bremen is introduced by a proverb: Wie man sich bettet, so

26、 schlaft man,sagt ein Sprichwort.Dabei wollen wir Ihnen,lieber Gast,mit dieser Hotelliste behilflich sein.2021/3/1421 There is proverb which says:As you make your bed so you must lie on it.That is why we hope that this Hotel List will be of service to you for your stay in Bremen. From functional poi

27、nt of view,a semantic paraphrase likeAfter a long day of sight-seeing you need a nice place to rest.It is not a good idea to come to Bremen2021/3/14223.1Practical writing Definition It is a kind of writing people use during the process of direct social interaction, such as treaties and protocals bet

28、ween countries, rules erected by the government, contracts signed between companies, announcements, private or public correspondences, posters and advertisements.2021/3/1423Functions Referential function (informative function); appellative function(illustrative function; persuasive function; imperat

29、ive function; advertising function)2021/3/1424Translation criticism based on practical writing and its function(advertisement) Besides the functions mentioned above, advertisement also has aesthetic function and vocative function. Christiane Nord ever wrote The difference in cultural knowledge may r

30、equire an adjustment of the relationship between explicit and implicit information in the text,the difference in culture-specific genre expectation may require an adaptation of the texts form to target culture textual and stylistic conventions(Nord 2001:63).2021/3/1425Lets look at three examples:Hai

31、er and higher. 海尔,越来越高。/海尔,永创新高。Live and let live. 自己活,也让他人活。/活着,也让人活着。/相互关爱,共享生命。The advertisement of the magazine The Globe:一册在手,纵览全球。With a single copy of The Globe in hand, You can enjoy a wide view of the world.With a copy of The Globe in your hand, The world unfolds before you so grand.2021/3/

32、14263.2 Science writingDefiniton It refers to any article or writing that is concerned with science and technology, such as scientific survey, experiment reports, instructions for machines and products, scientific paper or abstract of academic writings.This kind of writing is always objective and us

33、es exact and logical words. Function Referential function(informative function; instructive function; teaching function) 2021/3/1427Translation criticism based on scientific writing and its function Eg:第二期世界银行贷款总额为130万美元,用于购置设备的经费111.5万美元,图书采购、培训、技术服务等各项为18.5万美元。 The total amount of the loan from th

34、e World Band for the second time is 1,300,000 dollars. The use of it is as follows: 1,115,000 dollars is used to purchase equipment. The expense in buying books, training staff members and technical service is 185,000 dollars altogether. The total amount of the World Bank loan of Phase II is 1.3 mil

35、lion US dollars, of which 1.115 million is for the equipment purchase, and 0.185 million for book purchase, technical training, technical service and miscellaneous items. 2021/3/14283.3 Argumentative Definition It is different from descriptive and narrative writings, including philosophical and soci

36、al articles, political documents, speeches and reports. The focus of it is not always concerned with politics, but also with economy, military affairs, society,culture, education and so on.Function Referential function(informative function) ; expressive function(emotive function; evaluative function

37、)2021/3/1429Translation criticism based on argumentative and its function The translation of this kind of article requires: 注意背景,顾及作者 措辞严格,褒贬适当 搭配得当,关联紧密 语言得体,文风相宜 （Wang Hongyin, 2007:136）2021/3/14303.4Journalism It includes news report, bulletin, news comment and news features. The main task of jou

38、rnalism is to inform people of current news accurately and efficiently. So ,its main function is referential function(informative function) and expressive function(evaluative function).2021/3/1431The requirement of journalism translation includes: 1.读懂弄清所涉事件的来龙去脉和基本状况,并注意作者的态度倾向和风格基调,然后才能着手翻译 2.分析词形和词的来源以确定词义和词的修辞色彩 3.讲究表达程式,合理安排语序 (Wang Hongyin,2007:203)2021/3/14323.5 LiteratureIt includes prose, novel, poetry, drama,biography and so on.The main function of it is expressive function(emotive