Abstract

As we all know, the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference are held annually, where Chinese Premier of the State Council delivers government work reports to summarize the government’s achievements of last year and reports the plan and aim of the new year. Government work reports are typical external propaganda materials which are highly policy-related. Besides, their expressions are representative of Chinese characteristics. So, political translation must reflect the original text accurately. The quality of translation has a direct effect on China’s international image and fame. Therefore, it is of great importance to discuss the translation of government work reports.

Based on functional equivalence theory, this thesis makes a study on the English version of 2013 Government Work Report with an emphasis on the economic and political terms with Chinese characteristics. In addition, this thesis aims to summarize features of government work reports and point out the common problems as well as relevant solutions. In a word, this study is helpful to the translation of publicity-oriented materials.

Keywords: government work reports; functional equivalence theory; economic and political terms with Chinese characteristics

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

3. Introduction of the Functional Equivalence Theory-3

3.1 The Definition of the Theory-3

3.2 The Significance of Applying the Theory to Political Translation-4

4. Features of Government Work Reports-5

4.1 Vocabulary Features-5

4.2 Syntax Features-5

5. The Functional Equivalence Theory Applied in the Translation of the Economic and Political Terms with Chinese Characteristics-5

5.1 Political Vocabulary-6

5.2 General Words-7

5.3 Big Words, Degree Words-8

5.4 Macro Vocabulary-9

5.5 Words with Parallelism-10

6. The Functional Equivalence Theory Applied in the Translation of the Sentences-11

6.1 Adjustment of Word Order-11

6.2 Combination-11

6.3 Repetition-12

7. Conclusion-13

Works Cited-14