Abstract:Journey to the West is one of the four classics of Chinese literature in which various characters are vividly described. These characters’ names embody numerous traditional Chinese cultures as Taoism and Confucianism, and are infused with rich Chinese national color. All these factors have brought great difficulties to the translation of the work. Therefore, the study on the translation of characters’ names in Journey to the West not only help the world understand Chinese literature and national characteristics, but also can spread the Chinese culture and provide a bridge of communication between China and other countries.

First, this paper discusses the characteristics and the special cultural meanings of characters’ names in Journey to the West, and then on the basis of Jenner’s English version of Journey to the West, the study explores the elements influencing translation of Chinese characters’ names from the perspective of Skopos theory and puts forward several translation skills, including literal translation, transliteration, literal translation plus transliteration, annotation and free translation. The author wishes to provide a beneficial perspective for translating characters’ names in literature.

Keywords:  Skopos theory  characters’ names translation  Journey to the West

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background and Significance of the Study-1

1.2 The Layout of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Introduction to Skopos Theory-3

2.2 Previous Studies on the Translation of Journey to the West-3

Chapter Three Application of Skopos Theory in the Translation of Characters’ Names in Journey to the West-5

3.1 Elements Influencing Translation of Chinese Characters’ Names-5

3.1.1 Linguistic Elements-5

3.1.2 Cultural Elements-5

3.1.3 Elements of Translator-6

3.2 Guiding Rules in Translation-6

3.2.1 Skopos Rule-6

3.2.2 Coherence Rule-7

3.2.3 Fidelity Rule-7

3.3 Translation Skills-7

3.3.1 Literal Translation-7

3.3.2 Transliteration-8

3.3.3 Literal Translation plus Transliteration-8

3.3.4 Annotation-9

3.3.5 Free Translation-9

Chapter Four Conclusion-11

References-12