功能派翻译理论与中文电影片名的英译

Functionalist Approach to the English Translation of Chinese Film Titles

德国功能派翻译理论认为,翻译的策略和方法与文本类型相关,并由译文预期的目的或功能决定。电影片名属于呼唤型文本,其主导功能就是通过某种特定的方式为观众提供信息,达到吸引观众的目的。中文电影片名翻译成英语时,必须考虑中英电影片名各自的命名特点以及电影片名的感染功能,恰当运用音译、直译、增减译法、改译、重新拟定等各种翻译方法,以达到吸引英语观众的最佳效果。

The 1970s saw the emergence of the German school of functionalist translation theory. According to the theory, a translation action is determined by its function and its purpose that it wants to achieve. Based on the theory, the paper departs from the features of English and Chinese film titles, and discusses the English translation techniques of Chinese film titles. The major techniques include transliteration,literal translation, compensation and omission, rewriting and renaming the title. A proper use of these translation techniques may enhance the success of the film overseas.