Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background and Significance of the Study-1

1.2 Structure of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Introduction to Functional Approaches-3

2.2 Introduction to Address Terms-3

2.3 Previous Studies on Translation of Address Terms-3

Chapter Three Application of Functional Approaches to the Translation of Address terms in The Scholars-5

3.1 Introduction to The Scholars-5

3.2 Address Terms in The Scholars-5

3.2.1 Translation of Self-address Forms-5

3.2.2 Translation of Mutual Terms of Address and Their Respectful Forms-6

3.2.3 Translation of Non-reciprocal Terms of Address and Their Respectful Forms-7

3.3 Interpersonal Meaning in the Translation of Address Terms-7

3.3.1 Status and Position-8

3.3.2 The Degree of Familiarity-8

3.3.3 Emotional Attitude-10

Chapter Four Conclusion-11

References-12

Abstract

The Scholars is one of Wu Jingzi’s masterpieces and marks the peak of satire in ancient China. The author applies large amount of address terms in this novel, reflecting the extensive and profound Chinese folk culture. Translators found it difficult in their work for the frequent use of address terms. Fluent and appropriate translation will be helpful to people’s comprehension of Chinese traditional culture. 

    From the perspective of functional approaches, this thesis explores how the translation of address terms can achieve the unity of cultural cognition on the basis of Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang’s English version of The Scholars. The thesis thinks that while doing translation work, the translators ought to focus more on functions of words both in original and target text. They should choose proper strategy according to certain context, hoping that it not only enables readers feel the distinctive geographical features of this work but also preserve the cultural particularity of the work to the maximum extent.

Keywords:  functional approaches;  address terms;  The Scholars