Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the translation strategies that are commonly used in translating abstract nouns. Since abstract words are widely used in informative texts, this paper made a research into World Investment Report 2015 issued by UNCTAD where a lot of abstract nouns are applied. This paper collected abstract nouns in WIR 2015 and its Chinese translation published by Nankai University Press and made an analysis on it. It turns out that most abstract nouns are translated directly since they have explicit equivalence in Chinese. Yet, apart from literal translation, conversion, amplification and omission are also frequently used. The option of translation strategies is influenced by the attribute of abstract nouns and the text type. According to functional equivalence theory and text typology, informative text translation should give priority to faithfulness of the message and be consistent in its language styles. Although division and integrated approach are less frequently used, they can also be an option when other strategies do not work. 

Keywords: abstract noun, WIR 2015, functional equivalence, text typology, amplification, conversion, division, omission, informative text

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1.-Introduction-1

1.1 Background-1

1.2 Purpose and Significance of Study-1

2.-Literature Review-2

2.1 Abstract nouns-2

2.1.1 Definitions of abstract nouns-2

2.1.2 Classifications of abstract nouns-2

2.2 The UNCTAD and UNCTAD reports-3

2.2.1 The introduction of UNCTAD and UNCTAD reports-3

2.2.2 The introduction of World Investment Report 2015 and its Chinese translation version-4

2.2.3 Strategies for abstract noun translation-4

2.3 Translation strategies in light of text typology and functional equivalence theory-6

2.3.1 Text typology-6

2.3.2 Functional equivalence theory-7

2.3.3 Reflections on translation strategies for abstract nouns in WIR-7

3.-Results of the study-8

3.1 The most frequently used translation strategies in WIR 2015-8

3.1.1 Literal translation-8

3.1.2 Conversion-9

3.1.3 Amplification (Nouns)-11

3.1.4 Omission-12

3.2 The less frequently used translation strategies in WIR 2015-14

3.2.1 Division-14

3.2.2 Conversion (Adverbs)-14

3.2.3 Amplification (Adjectives)-14

4. Conclusion-16

5. References-17