Abstract

With the rapid development of economics in China, tourism has greatly strengthened the connection between China and the world. In China, more and more cities are attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world. In consequence, public sign translation, as a practical and external publicity translation, plays an important role in the development and prosperity of a city or even a country. The aim of public signs is to provide information for the public and some English public signs also carry the function of spreading culture. However, some translation problems in public signs are found based on Skopos Theory which provides a new perspective for translation theories and practice. With the development of tourism, the public sign translation seems to be more and more significant. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the quality of public sign translation.

This thesis discusses about the translation of public signs from the perspective of Skopos theory. At first, it introduces the research background and states the purpose as well as the significance of the research. After a review of the basic information of Skopos theory and public signs, the thesis suggests that Skopos theory could be adopted in the process of public sign translation. Skopos theory is applied in three aspects of public sign translation: linguistics, pragmatics and culture. With the theoretical basis of Skopos theory, public sign translation might be improved. At last, the thesis introduces some guidelines for sign translation in public places for reference.

All in all, Skopos is truly useful to guide the public sign translation. During the translation, translators should not only focus on the form and content of translation, but also pay more attention to the intended functions of public signs.

Keywords: public signs, Skopos theory, public sign translation

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1.-Introduction-1

1.1 Research Background-1

1.2 Purpose of the Research-1

1.3 Structure of the Thesis-1

2.-Literature Review-2

2.1 Skopos Theory-2

2.2 Public Signs-3

2.3 Related Studies at Home-4

3.-The Application of Skopos Theory in Public Sign Translation - Taking Zhejiang as an Example-5

3.1 Application of Skopos Theory in Three Aspects-5

3.1.1 Linguistic aspect-5

3.1.2 Pragmatic aspect-6

3.1.3 Cultural aspect-7

3.2 Analysis on Public Sign Translation from the Perspective of Skopos Theory-8

3.2.1 Public sign translation at linguistic level-9

3.2.2 Public sign translation at pragmatic level-14

3.2.3 Public sign translation at cultural level-17

3.3 Guidelines for C-E Translation in Public Places-18

4.-Conclusion-20

References-22