Idiom Translation In A Dream Of Red Mansions — A Study From The Perspective Of Skopos Theory

Skopos theory, which developed from German functionalism, holds that translation is a form of transnational action based on a source text and the primary principle determining any transaction process is the skopos of the overall transactional action. This theory has opened up a new perspective for translation studies.Numerous researches have been conducted on Hong Lou Meng and its translations. However, researches on idiom translation in A Dream of Red Mansions by the Yangs from the perspective of skopos theory are inadequate. This thesis selects 361 idioms from the original novel and A Dream of Red Mansions and divides them into two groups according to whether or not there are explicit images. On the basis of the data collected, the thesis analyzes the translation strategies of idioms by the Yangs. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are adopted in the process. It is found that the Yangs tend to adopt flexible translation strategies with foreignization used most frequently. Domestication and the combination of foreignization and domestication also play an important role in their translation.The thesis proceeds to analyze their idiom translation methods governed by the three principles in skopos theory and discusses the effect of the conditioning factors such as the translator, the addressee and the space and time on idiom translation by the Yangs. The analysis indicates that skopos theory can provide a new perspective on why particular idioms are translated in one way instead of another by the Yangs. Factors such as the translators'life experience, translation principles, translation intention, the expectation and background knowledge of the addressee as well as space and time all exert considerable influence on their idiom translation. This thesis concludes that idiom translation in A Dream of Red Mansions by the Yangs can by and large fulfill the overall translation purpose. Through their successful idiom translation in A Dream of Red Mansions, the Yangs have presented the unique Chinese culture to the world and improved the communication between different cultures.