Abstract

With the rapid improvement of economy, a large number of foreign cosmetics flow into our domestic market successfully. Aside from the cosmetics’ quality itself, the quality of the translation of cosmetic instructions also plays a great influence on the consumers’ purchasing willingness in order to attract the attention of Chinese consumers and take predominance in the market. Therefore, the translation of cosmetic instructions is of great importance. The major theme of this paper is the translation of cosmetic instructions from the perspective of the skopos theory. At the very beginning of this paper, the author will take English cosmetic instructions as a research object. At the same time, the author analyzes its classifications, functions and importance. Besides, it also generalizes the importance of translation of cosmetic instructions and previous studies on this topic at home and abroad. More significantly, the author describes the skopos theory briefly and states its three rules, namely, the skopos rule, the coherence rule and fidelity rule. At the end of this paper, the author will discuss translation skills and application of the rules for cosmetic instructions.

Key words: Skopos Theory; Cosmetic Instructions; Translation Strategies

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 Literature Review-2

2.1 Related Studies Abroad-2

2.2 Related Studies at Home-4

3 Theoretical Framework-4

3.1 Basic Concepts of the Skopos Theory-4

3.2 Basic Rules of the Skopos Theory-4

3.2.1 Skopos Rule-4

3.2.2 Coherence Rule-5

3.2.3 Fidelity Rule-5

3.3 Demerits of Traditional Translation Theories in Cosmetic Instructions Translation-5

4 Introduction to Cosmetic Instructions and Cosmetic Instructions Translation-6

4.1 The Definition of Cosmetic Instructions-6

4.1.1 Different Presenting Places of Cosmetic Instructions-7

4.1.2 The Effects of Cosmetic Instructions-7

4.2 The Functions and General Characteristics of Cosmetic Instructions-8

4.2.1 Informative Function-8

4.2.2 Aesthetic Function-9

4.2.3 Vocative Function-9

5 The Application of the Skopos Theory in Cosmetic Instructions Translation-10

5.1 Skopos Rule Applied to Cosmetic Instructions-10

5.2 Coherence Rule Applied to Cosmetic Instructions-13

5.3 Fidelity Rule Applied to Cosmetic Instructions-14

6 Conclusion-15

References-16