Relevance Theory And Pragmatic Translation

This thesis has used one pragmatic theory, viz. relevance theory which is closely connected with meaning and context to illustrate that optimal resemblance to the original in pragmatic translation on base of the analysis and study of pragmatic meaning and following the principle of relevance can help the communicator to achieve his intention in translation. The thesis consists of five chapters. A general introduction to the origin, development and its application to translation constitutes the first chapter of the thesis. The second chapter of the paper gives a brief account of the rationale of relevance theory. The possible application of some of the essential concepts of relevance theory in translation has become my object of intense study in Chapter three. Chapter four illustrates that pragmatic translation following the principle of relevance can communicate the meaning of source language accurately and clearly to target readers. Five methods of translating pragmatic meaning are mentioned with more concrete examples provided: literal translation; transformation of images; literal translation with the intended meaning revealed; free translation; literal translation with footnotes. Different strategies and techniques in conveying intended meaning in translation are all governed by the principle of relevance. Whatever method is used, as long as it can successfully convey the intended pragmatic meaning of the original and achieve the goal of communication in a economical way, involving optimal processing effort, it is a feasible way of translating.