Abstract

With the development of economy, China has more connection with the outside world, among which, movie is an important part. English movies are the most familiar ones to Chinese audience among foreign movies. The movie title is the first thing for audience to get the information of the movie, thus a proper movie title translation can not only convey the information of the movie correctly but also catch the attention of the audience to hit a huge box office. Therefore, the translation of English movie titles is of great significance.

After analyzing the characteristics, functions and some mistranslations of movie titles, the writer of this paper explores the principles and skills for movie title translation, in hope that it could be of certain help to movie title translation.   

Key words: English movie titles; mistranslation; translation

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 Literature Review-2

2.1 Characteristics of English Movie Titles-2

2.2 Functions of English Movie Title-3

2.2.1 Informative function-3

2.2.2 Vocative function-3

2.2.3 Aesthetic function-4

2.2.4 Commercial Function-5

2.3 Previous Studies on the Translation of English Movie Titles-5

3 Analysis on the Mistranslations of Movie Titles-6

3.1 Lacking a Comprehensive Understanding of the Story-6

3.2 Misunderstanding of Cultural Information-7

3.3 Influence of Commercial Profits-7

4 Study on English Movie Title Translation-8

4.1 Principles for English Movie Title Translation-8

4.1.1 Faithfulness-9

4.1.2 Cultural Awareness-9

4.1.3 Combination of Commercial and Aesthetic Effects-10

4.2 Skills for English Movie Title Translation-10

4.2.1 Transliteration-10

4.2.2 Literal translation-11

4.2.3 Free translation-12

4.2.4 Amplification-13

4.2.5 Conversion-13

5 Conclusion-14

References-15