On Translation Diversity Of Dao De Jing From The Perspective Of The Functionalist Translation Theory

Skopos, based on action theory, is a key word in the functionalist translation theory for purpose. Every action has a purpose and there must be a purpose in translating a text. As a lot of different factors are involved in different translation activities, the specific translation strategy inevitably differ from each other and this leads to various translations of the same original text. However, some factors involved in translation do not lead to diversified translations directly. Instead, they first restrict and determine the specific purposes which will lead to translations with different functions among the target readers. In further step, translations with different functions influence the fulfillment of the original purpose and finally form the phenomenon of translation diversity. Vermeer's classification of skopos provides strong theoretical support for this explanation.Dao De Jing belongs to the Chinese classics, so the general purpose of translating it should be to transmit Chinese culture. However, different translators, target readers, together with different translation time, place, social environment and cultural atmosphere require different translations, so translators have to harmonize all these factors and choose different translation strategies. The original purpose of transmitting Chinese culture thus can not necessarily be achieved, and in this way, the translations for Dao De Jing are diversified. Therefore, the existence of translation diversity for Dao De Jing is well explained by the functionalist translation theory.This paper takes Hans J. Vermeer's classification of purpose and Justa Holz Manttari's Analysis of participants in translation from the functionalist translation theory, gets four main causes that lead to the translation diversity of Dao De Jing from the perspective of translators,target readers, socio-cultural environment and translation purpose through logical analysis and with the help of some translated versions, gives a proper and comparatively ample explanation for the translation diversity of Dao De Jing. The paper does not only stop on the explanation level but tries to provide guidance in the further translation practice and translation criticism for Chinese classics. Since the existence of translation diversity is natural, good translations of Chinese classics can be done by any translator with any nationality as long as they accord with the subjective or objective condition and environment at the time when they are done.