Abstract

Translation is a kind of communicational activity that exists among different areas. It concludes two types of transformation: the transformation among different languages and the conversion in various cultures. In Skopos Theory, translation is regarded as a special type of human activity. As any action is intentionally purposeful, translation is a purposeful behavior taking place in a given situation. The application of Skopos theory has always been in discussion throughout the translation history. 

Since the English version of Weicheng had been published in 1979, it has achieved a great success. The author thinks that the success owes to the reasonable strategy of Skopos Theory. Skopos Theory, as its name implies, is centered with skopos and it is the translation purpose that decides the strategy. On one hand, the paper studies the proper usage of the English version of Weicheng in the aspect of language; on the other hand, the paper analyzes the two versions from the perspective of culture. By studying the classical lines, this paper also discussed the reasonable application in a systematic way from skopos rule, coherence rule and fidelity rule. If the strategies applied in the English version supports the three rules, then it is reasonable from the perspective of Skopos Theory.

To sum up, the study shows that Qian Zhongshu’s Weicheng reaches the aim of spreading Chinese culture and promoting cultural communication, and so does the English version. So it can be concluded that from the perspective of Skopos Theory, the translator has realized his expected aim. Hence the English version is a successful translation. 

Key words: Skopos Theory, reasonable application, English version of Weicheng

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction1

2 Skopos Theory and Cultural Differences.1

3 Literature Review.3

 3.1 Studies Home and Abroad.3

3.1.1 Studies Home..3

3.1.2 Studies Abroad..4

3.2 Introduction of the English Version5

4 The Application of Skopos Theory in Fortress Besieged.5

 4.1 Studies from Skopos Rule.6

4.1.1 Analysis in Language6

4.1.2 Examples in Culture8

 4.2 Studies from Coherence Rule9

4.2.1 Analysis in Language9

4.2.2 Examples in Culture10

 4.3 Studies from Fidelity Rule11

4.3.1 Analysis in Language..11

4.3.2 Examples in Culture..12

5 Conclusion13

References..14