Abstract:Idioms are an important part of a nation. Every language has its own idioms. Rich and interesting cultural information exist in it. It has national and regional characteristics. The translation of idioms is a kind of transformation of information, which embodies the principle of equivalence - equality of content, form and style. When we translate English idioms, we should not only consider the transformation of language, but also the transformation of culture. In the translation of idioms, due to the differences between English and Chinese, translation should not only find the equivalence of the two languages in terms of words, sentences or grammar, but also from the perspective of communication and culture.  The paper explores the differences between Chinese and English idioms from the perspective of functional equivalence theory, so as to achieve better communication between different cultures. 

Key words: functional equivalence; English idioms; translation 

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

. Background of the Theory and Idioms-3

A. An Introduction to Functional Equivalence Theory-3

B. The Definition of Idioms-4

C. The Characteristics of Idioms-5

1. Fixity-5

2. Integrity-5

3. Philosophic-6

4. Nationality-6

. Differences Between English and Chinese idioms-7

A. Differences in Living Environment-7

B. Differences in Cultural Symbols-7

C. Differences in Religious Beliefs-8

D. Differences in Historical Allusions-9

. The Application of Functional Equivalence Theory in Idioms-11

A. Principles for the Application of Functional Equivalence in English Idiom Translation-11

1. Understanding the Source Text and Avoiding Cultural Misunderstanding-11

2. The Target Reader can Understand the Meaning Completely.-11

3. Functional Equivalence is Prior to Formal Equivalence-12

B. Equivalent Theory in Idioms-13

1. Idioms of Similar Form and Content-13

2. Idioms Literally Translated into and Accepted by the Target Culture-14

3. Idioms only Equivalent in Certain Situations-14

Conclusion-16

Bibliography-18

Acknowledgement-19