On Idiom Translation From The Perspective Of Relevance Theory

This paper, based on a case study of a popular sitcom, Friends, is intended to make an analysis of idioms'translation in the light of Relevance Theory applied by Gutt to the domain of translation.There are five chapters in this thesis.In Chapter One, a very brief introduction is made to present the research background and the theoretical framework of this study.Chapter Two, a brief introduction to Relevance Theory and its application to translation studies are made, with special attention paid to two communication situations.Chapter Three, first of all, defines idioms and then analyses idioms in Friends in terms of features, scope and categories. Idioms'functions are clarified in the latter part to highlight their importance in the sitcom. Based on the distinguished features of idioms, possible translation difficulties are suggested thereafter.Chapter Four focuses on solving the problems raised in Chapter Three in the light of Relevance Theory. Following that, the question of translatability of English idioms is discussed. Finally, translation methods of idioms are explored in each communication situation respectively.The Conclusion Chapter presents a brief summary of this study as well its limits.