Abstract

Idioms, which reflect customs, are the essence of culture in every country. Idioms play an important role in relieving pressure, breaking deadlock in negotiations in international business communication because their nature of is concise and vivid. Therefore, the quality of idiom translation directly affects the result of business communication. The purpose in this paper is based on Nida’s functional equivalence translation theory. Its specific analysis proved the feasibility of application of idiom translation. In addition, it presents, through examples in three categories, the application of F-E in business idiom translation.

Key words: idioms; translation; functional equivalence; international business communication

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 Literature Review-2

2.1 Definition of Idiom-2

2.2 Study of Idiom Translation at Home and Abroad-3

3 Nida’s Functional Equivalence Theory-4

3.1 Dynamic Equivalence and Functional Equivalence-4

3.1.1 Dynamic Equivalence-5

3.1.2 Functional Equivalence-6

3.2 The Feasibility of Applying Functional Equivalence to Idiom Translation-7

4 Problems in the Translation of Business Idioms-8

4.1 Misunderstanding-8

4.2 Incorrect Substitution-9

4.3 Loss of Original Flavor-10

5 Application of F-E in Business Idiom Translation-11

5.1 Complete Equivalence Idioms-12

5.2 Semi-equivalent Idioms-12

5.3 Non-equivalence Idioms-13

6 Conclusion-15