Abstract:This study applies Nida’s “Functional Equivalence” analyses the characteristics of the car brand names, and proposes several kinds of car brand name translation strategies, such as transliteration, literal translation, creative translation, phonosemantic, and zero translation. In order to realize Nida’s “Functional Equivalence”, the translation strategies must be flexible so that the companies can establish their vehicle brand. In the process of translation, the translator should take the cultural features of the target market into consideration. The translation not only should reflect the quality of the car, but also gain wide recognition of the consumers. Thus, it can help to promote excellent car brands for the companies.

Key words: car brand name; Functional Equivalence; translation strategies

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction1

2. The Characteristics of the Car Brand Name.2

2.1 Phonetic Characteristics

2.2 Lexical Characteristics

2.3 Semantic Characteristics

3. Connotation of “Functional Equivalence”3

  3.1 Predecessor of “Functional Equivalence”—“Dynamic Equivalence”

  3.2 Two Levels of “Functional Equivalence”

  3.3 Communicative Functions of Vehicle Brand Name Translation

4. Vehicle Brand Name Translation Strategies from “Functional Equivalence” .4

4.1 Translation Strategies

4.1.1 The Equivalence of Voice—Transliteration

  4.1.2 The Equivalence of Semantic-- Literal Translation

  4.1.3 The Equivalence of Pragmatics-- Creative Translation

  4.1.4 Phonosemantic

4.1.5 Zero Translation

4.2 The Analysis of the Translation Strategies

 4.2.1 The Usage of the Translation Strategies

4.2.2 The Analysis of the Usage

5. Conclusion9

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgements .11