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 Skopos Theory-3

2.2 Previous Studies on the Translation of Wolf Totem-3

Chapter Three Application of Skopos Theory in the Translation of Culture-loaded Words -5

3.1 Definition of Culture-loaded Words-5

3.2 Categories of Culture-loaded Words in Wolf Totem-5

3.2.1 Culture-loaded Words of Mongolian National Culture and Customs-6

3.2.2 Culture-loaded Words of the Cultural Revolution-6

3.2.3 Culture-loaded Words of Chinese History and Allusions-7

3.2.4 Culture- loaded Words of Wolves and Dogs and Other Animals-7

3.3 Translation Skills-7

3.3.1 Literal Translation-8

3.3.2 Transliteration-9

3.3.3 Literal Translation Plus Annotation-9

3.3.4 Transliteration Plus Annotation-10

3.3.5 Free Translation-11

Chapter Four Conclusion-13

References-14

Abstract

Every language contains many words with abundant national and cultural characteristics. These words are called culture-loaded words. Culture-loaded words, as a carrier of diverse cultures, can show the colorful culture of a nation or a region. However, the large number of culture-loaded words has brought considerable difficulties to the translator’s work. The study of the translation of culture-loaded words is helpful not only to the development of the linguistics, but also to the intercultural communication. Jiang Rong’s Lang Tuteng is a master piece about wolf and Chinese culture. Since it was published, it has aroused numerous readers’ interest and caused a big stir. It becomes the hard nut to translate the abundant culture-loaded words into English.

This thesis, from the perspective of the Skopos theory, probes into the translation of culture-loaded words on the base of the English version Wolf Totem, translated by Howard Goldblatt. The writer puts forward several translation strategies such as literal translation, free translation, transliteration, literal translation plus annotation, etc. and explores Goldblatt’s translation skills, aiming to promote the spread of Mongolian culture and wolf culture.

Keywords: skopos theory; culture-loaded words; Wolf Totem