Abstract：With the expanding of film industry market, more and more English films have spread into China, which makes Chinese translation of film title become a kind of demand and an important part in translation[1]. Under the guidance of functionalist translation theory, there are more and more relevant research works of Chinese translation of film title, which has made a certain progress. 

Taking German functionalist translation theory as the theoretical foundation and well-known foreign film titles as examples, this paper discusses and studies the relevant theories of functionalist translation theory, especially the application of Hans Vermeer’s Skopos Theory in the translation of film title, and the problems caused by cultural differences and different receiving psychology of the target language: how to make translated film title conforms to source language, Chinese expression and receiving habits of the audience as much as possible and also achieve a box-office success. 

Based on previous research achievements, theories of functionalist translation and the translation of film title, we made a comparative study on translated film title in daily life and finally draw the conclusion that as a form of art, the Chinese translation of film title is specific. According to the source language, receivers of the target language and box office and other factors, we should adopt different translation strategies, such as literal translation, free translation and transliteration on the basis of different themes, structure of the source film title and content of films.

Under the guidance of functionalist translation theory, from the perspective of receiving psychology of the target language and cultural difference, the paper replenishes the previous achievements and provides a new idea for Chinese translation of film title, which expects to help people understand functionalist translation theory, master relevant translation skills and comprehend cross-culture phenomenon contained in foreign film title.

Key words: functionalist translation theory; Skopos Theory; methods and strategies of translation; Chinese translation of film title

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1.Introduction-1

2.The Functions of Film Title-2

2.1 Instructive Function-2

2.2 Aesthetic Transferring Function-2

2.3 Imperative Function-2

3.Chinese Translation of Film Title ---Cultural Conflict-4

3.1 Linguistic Difference-4

3.2 Different Ways of Thinking Pattern-4

3.3 Religious Belief-5

4.The Strategies of Chinese Translation of Film Title-6

4.1 Literal Translation-7

4.2 Free Translation-8

4.3 Transliteration-9

Conclusion-11

References-12

Acknowledgements-13