Abstract:With the deepening reform and opening-up as well as economic globalization in China, great changes have taken place in economy, politics, technology, intercultural exchanges and other aspects, which can be reflected in Chinese neologisms. It is estimated that around 700 Chinese neologisms are coming into being each year. Translating neologisms into English can make foreign readers have a better knowledge about the new development and tendency of our country, expand the national influence and improve the sound international image. 

From the viewpoint of linguistics, Eugene A. Nida put forward “Functional Equivalence” to realize the transmission between the source language and the target language so as to reproduce the cultural background in the source language, and put the receptors’ response into the standard of translation. Thus, it can guide the practice of neologism translation. This thesis probes the principles and techniques of the translation of Chinese neologisms from the perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory. 

Keywords: Functional Equivalence  Chinese neologisms  translation  techniques

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Significance of the Study-1

1.2 Framework of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two The Development of Functional Equivalence Theory-2

Chapter Three Introduction to Chinese Neologisms-4

3.1 Definition of Neologism-4

3.2 The Sources of Chinese Neologisms-4

3.2.1 Neologisms from Dialects-4

3.2.2 Loanwords from Foreign Languages-5

3.2.3 Old Words with New Meanings-5

3.3 Formation of Chinese Neologisms-5

Chapter Four Principles and Techniques for C-E Translation of Neologisms under the Guidance of Functional Equivalence-7

4.1 Principles for Translating Chinese Neologisms-7

4.2 Translation Techniques of Chinese Neologisms-7

4.2.1 Literal Translation-7

4.2.2 Literal Translation plus Explanation-8

4.2.3 Free Translation-8

4.2.4 Back Translation-9

4.2.5 Transliteration-10

Chapter Five Conclusion-11

5.1 Summary-11

5.2 Limitations-11

5.3 Suggestions-11

References-12