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Functional Approaches To Technical Translation

Posted on:2007-12-22Degree:MasterType:Thesis
Country:ChinaCandidate:X S ZhaoFull Text:PDF
GTID:2155360212455428Subject:English Language and Literature
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
Traditionally, two problems have hindered improvement of technical translation. First, traditional translation theories in China are usually developed based on literary translation, which differs from technical translation so much that such translation theories may not be conveniently applied to technical translation. Second, technical translation is often considered a simple job that can be accomplished by any person who has some linguistic competence with the help of dictionaries. In fact, improvement of technical translation requires an appropriate approach supported by a theoretical framework. To find the appropriate approaches to technical translation, this thesis attempts to prove the necessity of using functional translation theories, or functionalist approaches, as guidelines for technical translation, as such theories help develop a clear definition of the functions and purposes of technical texts. Language functions are the normal mechanism of language, while style is its variant mechanism. Therefore understanding of functions and styles of technical texts help translators develop strategies for successful technical translation. This thesis begins with a survey of the characteristics of English for Science and Technology (EST) to show what distinguishes scientific and technical writing from other styles and thus proves the necessity of employing translation approaches that are characteristic of technical texts. Following the survey of characteristics of EST, the thesis reviews functional translation theories and explains their implications for technical translation. Then examples are provided to illustrate specific strategies and skills of technical translation and to demonstrate the importance of accurate and precise word choice, the significance of formal logic for technical translation, conceptual consistency, and logical arrangement of sentence elements. All this is indispensable to maintaining functions of original technical texts in the translated texts.
Keywords/Search Tags:technical translation, functional translation, translation approaches, stylistic functions
PDF Full Text Request
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