On The Assessing Criteria For Translation Principles

Concerning translation principles, no one doubts that it is a problem which never ceases to be discussed. Traditional principles only focus on the relationship between the source and target text, neglecting the social and cultural factors and the purpose of the translators. Although translation principles are frequently discussed, the study of the assessing criteria for translation principles is rarely seen. Previous assessing criteria for translation principles only focus on the faithfulness of message and meaning to the source text, or, only mention the translator's subjectivity, without recognizing the social-cultural context of times.Lin Shu is believed to be a successful translator, but if studying his translation closely, one may find out the fact that he not only focuses his attention on the source and target text, but more importantly pays much attention to the social and cultural factors of his times. Deletion, addition, and adaptation are commonly used in his translation. His translation may be regarded as unfaithful in terms of traditional principles, but the fact is that his translation works are very successful and have everlasting influence upon Chinese people.Within the framework of Skopos theory and a case study of Hei Nu Yu Tian Nu, this thesis attempts to investigate the relationship between translation principles and the social-cultural context of a time in which a translator lives, holding that any translation principle should not only be aware of the relationship between the source and target text, but more importantly, consider the social and cultural context of the translator's time, and conform to the demands of the time.