Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background of the Study-1

1.2 Significance of the Study-1

1.3 Structure of the Study-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-2

2.1 An Introduction to Linguistic Taboo-2

2.2 Previous Studies on the Translation of Linguistic Taboo-2

2.3 An Introduction to Adaptation Theory-3

Chapter Three Analysis on the Translation of Linguistic Taboo in Desperate Housewives from the Perspective of Adaptation Theory-6

3.1 An Introduction of the TV Series Desperate Housewives-6

3.2 Choice-making in the Translation of Linguistic Taboo in Desperate Housewives-6

3.3 Adaptation to Communicative Context in the Translation of Linguistic Taboo-7

3.3.1 Adaptation to Language User-7

3.3.2 Adaptation to Mental World-9

3.3.3 Adaptation to Social World-10

3.3.4 Adaptation to Physical World-11

Chapter Four Conclusion-12

References-13

Abstract

With the increasing cross-cultural communication activities in the era of globalization, taboo has become an essential part in the life of human society. This article studies the translation of linguistic taboo in Desperate Housewives from the perspective of Adaptation Theory. Choice-making and the adaptation to communicative context in the process of translation are analyzed in detail. Language using is a process of continuous choice making with difference degrees of salience, and people can make flexible choices in the process of language use. The translation of linguistic taboo should adapt to language users, physical world, social world and mental world. The thesis puts forward some constructive guidance for the proper use of English taboos and English learning. It can help to improve translation capacity and is also useful for foreign language teaching and intercultural communication. 

Keywords:  the translation of linguistic taboo  Adaptation Theory  communicative context Desperate Housewives