Abstract

Since the establishment of Functional Equivalence Theory by Eugene Nida, an increasing number of scholars have applied this theory in the instruction of literary translation. Functional Equivalence Theory includes three main points: functional equivalence in meaning, functional equivalence in style and functional equivalence in from, which is also of great significance in the course of ancient poetry translation. However, only a few of them explored the translation of classical Chinese poetry based on this theory. Functional Equivalence Theory lays emphasis on the similar emotion triggered by both source text readers and target text readers while appreciating an ancient Chinese poetry. 

During Premier Wen’s regular press conferences, chief interpreter Zhang Lu’s wonderful translation on classical Chinese poetry aroused heated discussion among the public. This paper will briefly introduce the evolution, development, and definition of Functional Equivalence Theory. Then, it is to analyse Zhang Lu’s translation and explore the translation of classical Chinese poetry from the perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory, so as to help people further understand and appreciate classical Chinese poetry as well as to shed some light on the improvement of the translation in this field.

Key words: Classical Chinese poetry; Functional Equivalence Theory; translation; Premier Wen

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 Literature Review-1

2.1 Evolution and Development of Functional Equivalence Theory-1

2.2 Definition of Functional Equivalence Theory-3

3 General Introduction to the Translation of Classical Chinese Poetry-4

3.1 Characteristics of Classical Chinese Poetry-4

3.2 History and Development of Classical Chinese poetry-4

3.3 Difficulties in the Translation of Classical Chinese Poetry-5

4 Analysis of the Translation of Classical Chinese Poetry Cited by Premier Wen from the Perspective of  Functional Equivalence Theory-7

4.1 Functional Equivalence in Meaning-7

4.2 Functional Equivalence in Style-8

4.3 Functional Equivalence in Form-9

5 Conclusion-11

5.1 Major findings-11

5.2 Limitations of the Speech-12

References-13