Domestication And Foreignization In Translation: Functionalist Approaches Explained

From the perspective of functionalist approaches, this thesis attempts to explain the choice of domestication and foreignization in translation by case studies.The paper is divided into four parts: preface, the first part, sums up the choice of translating strategies and translation criteria in all history, at home and abroad. Pointing out the deficiencies of other theories, it brings forward that functions of translation should be the criteria of translation quality; and an absolute single strategy is not encouraged. The second part introduces the literature review of domestication and foreignization, including definitions and different ideas given by scholars of different schools. The third part first points out the deficiencies of traditional translation theories based on linguistics, and then introduces the importance of culture in translation and proposes two translation strategies ?domestication and foreignization. From different angles, the paper gives explanations of different schools and points out their radical views will do no good to translation studies. In order to solve problems encountered in translation practices, we should introduce functionalist approaches. By the means of case studies, the thesis analyses the choices of different strategies in translation process. And the last section makes a conclusion that states the main standpoints of this paper.Main points of this paper are as follows:1. Translational action and the nature of translation are purposeful, trans-cultural communication. And domestication and foreignization are two strategies to cope with cultural differences in translation.2. The choice of translating strategy should take functions of translation into consideration. For achieving the prospective purposes, translator can decide which strategy should be chosen, either domestication or foreignization, or both. The adequacy of translation should be the translation criterion.3. Different text typology has different function. Text type can help translator to figure out which specific translation strategy should be chosen.4. Translation criteria should be multiple and meet the needs of translation practices. In this case, translator can choose the best strategy to end the eternal debate over domestication and foreignization, and provides a new perspective for translation studies.