Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background and Significance of the Study-1

1.2 Structure of This Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Brief Introduction to Skopos Theory-3

2.2 Introduction to Humorous Language-3

2.3 The Previous Studies on Humorous Language Translation-4

Chapter Three Translating Methods of Humor—A Case Study of Pride and Prejudice-6

3.1 Introduction to Pride and Prejudice and Its Author-6

3.2 Introduction of Wang Keyi’s Version-6

3.3 Characteristics of Jane Austen’s Humorous Language-7

3.4 Translation Methods-7

3.4.1 Literal Translation-8

3.4.2 Free Translation-9

3.4.2.1 Amplification-9

3.4.2.2 Omission-10

3.4.2.3 Paraphrase-11

Chapter Four Conclusion-13

References-14

Abstract

Humor is not only widely used in literary works but also plays a very important role in people’s daily life, therefore, the study of humorous language is of great significance. However, on the one hand, most present researches only discuss humor from perspectives as literature, art, psychology, linguistics, etc. and there are few researches carried on from the translation level; on the other hand, most studies lack systematic theoretical guidance.

On the basis of Wang Keyi’s translated version of Pride and Prejudice, this thesis first analyzes different types and characteristics of humorous language. Then the writer focuses on the discussion of translation methods that can be adopted in translating humorous language from the perspective of Skopos theory, pointing out that literal translation is usually used in the situational humor, while for the non-situational humor, free translation is more suitable.

Keywords:  humorous language  the Skopos theory  translation methods  Pride and                          Prejudice