Abstract

English allusions play an important role in English literature, and they are very rich, involving religion, Greek and Roman mythology, historical stories, literary works and so on. They are also used in all kinds of styles concisely, profoundly and expressively. However, English allusions is closely related with culture and contain abundant cultural connotations with subtle meaning. It will be a little difficult for readers to understand, so it is very important to find the translation which is much closer to readers.   

In this case, Nida’s Functional Equivalence Theory which is concerned more about the readers’ reaction will be more practical. This paper takes it as the basic theory. There are three translation versions of The Merchant of Venice: Zhu Shenghao’s version, Fang Ping’s version and Liang Shiqiu’s version, which are the classical cases to study the allusion translation from the perspective of the Functional Equivalence Theory. It will help readers understand the allusions.

    Key words: functional equivalence theory; The Merchant of Venice; allusion; translation

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction1

2 Functional Equivalence Theory1

  2.1 Nida and Functional Equivalence Theory 1

  2.2 Features of Functional Equivalence2

  2.3 The Influence of Functional Equivalence Theory in Allusion Translation 3

3 Analysis of English Allusions3

  3.1 Overview on Allusions3

  3.2 Types of English Allusions.4

  3.3 Functions of Allusions5

  3.4 Obstacles of Allusion translation6

4 Allusion Translation in The Merchant of Venice from the Perspective  

 of Functional Equivalence.7

   4.1 Principle for allusion translation under functional equivalence theory.7

   4.2 Strategies of translating allusions in The Merchant of Venice..8

  4.2.1 Literal translation.8   

  4.2.2 Free translation.10

   4.3Summary.11

5 Conclusion .12

Reference..13