A Report On E-C Translation Of Biography Under The Guidance Of Skopos Theory

This translation report is based on the biography of Sam Shepard written by James A.Crank,an American writer,and guided by Skopos Theory and its three rules,with a view to discovering the theories and methods of biography translation.The author’s creation of this biography of Shepard is intended to give readers a more objective understanding of Shepard and to interpret Shepard’s colorful life experiences.This translation report,guided by Skopos Theory,provides a detailed discussion of the language features and difficulties of the translated text of Understanding Sam Shepard.Skopos Theory holds that translation is a purposeful intercultural communication activity.Skopos Theory suggests that the purpose of translation determines the means of translation.It emphasizes that translator should try her best to harmonize the relationship between the author of the original text and the reader of the translated text.The translator should choose appropriate translation strategies and methods.Due to the historical authenticity and literariness of biography,the translator should pay attention to the authenticity and literariness of the translated text.This translation practice report consists of five parts: introduction,process description,Skopos Theory and its application in biography,case analysis and summary.This translation practice report is mainly from two aspects: vocabulary and sentence.The language features and difficulties in translation involve the translation of proper nouns,cultural-bound words,modifiers and syntactic translation of five aspects(scenario,psychology,dialogue and portrait,movement).Thus,the translator puts forward translation strategies including transliteration,free translation,literal translation combined with annotations,conversion,four-character structures,omission,amplification,division and reorganization.Finally,the translator points out that the three rules of Skopos Theory guide biography translation.At the same time,the translator also summarizes some points that should be paid attention to in the translation of texts: the translation of vocabulary must be accurate,conforming to the conventional statements and historical facts;the translation of sentences must conform to the context of the original text,paying attention to the literariness oflanguage use.