Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1-Background and Significance of the Study-1

1.2 The Structure of the study-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-2

2.1 Nida’s Functional Equivalence Theory-2

2.1.1Definition of Translation-2

2.1.2 Dynamic Equivalence and Functional Equivalence-2

2.2 An Overview of Publicity Materials Translation-3

2.2.1 Characteristics of Publicity Materials Translation-3

2.2.2 Recent Studies on C-E Publicity Materials Translation-3

2.3 An Overview of Chinese Idioms-4

2.3.1 Definition of Chinese Idioms-4

2.3.2 Characteristics of Chinese Idioms-4

Chapter Three Application of Functional Equivalence Theory to C-E translation of Idioms in Publicity-6

3.1 Reasons for Applicability of Functional Equivalence to C-E translation of Idioms in Publicity-6

3.2 Strategies for C-E Translation of Idioms in Publicity Materials-6

3.2.1 Literal Translation-7

3.2.2 Free Translation-7

3.2.3 Borrowing-8

3.2.4 Omission-8

Chapter Four Conclusion-10

References-11

Abstract

Foreign publicity is a way to introduce China to the world. With the deepening of reform and opening policy and the development of international exchanges, foreign publicity plays an increasingly important role in promoting international communications. Chinese idioms reflect the long history and resplendent culture of Chinese nation and are the wisdom of our ancestors. English translation of Chinese idioms is not only a simple language conversion, but also a responsibility to proclaim Chinese culture. Eugene Nida’s Functional Equivalence Theory has always been the guiding theory of translation field. The theory is widely used in different fields of translation, and should be equally applicable in C-E translation of idioms in publicity.

Baesd on the Nida’s functional equivalence theory, this thesis makes an all-around analysis of English translation of Chinese idioms in publicity. This thesis uses two official publications of Shanghai Expo 2010 as examples in order to make the argumentation of the article more comprehensive and convincing.

Keywords:  foreign publicity; English translation of Chinese idioms; functional equivalence theory