On E-C Translation Of Film Titles-From The Perspective Of Skopos Theory

With the continuous enhancement of communication between cultures, a great many English movies pour into domestic market and gain widespread popularity among Chinese audiences. Film is a popular art of both artistic and commercial value. An outstanding film reveals the reality of society and transmits abundant cultural information. Film titles, eyeball of films, are required to convey the information of the films, entertain audiences with aesthetic value, and more importantly, arouse the interest of audiences to go to the cinema. An outstanding film titles could evoke prospective audiences and play a major role in the success of box office. Consequently, the study of film title translation has become an increasingly important concern. Nevertheless, the present research is far from complete and the systematic and feasible theoretical framework should be established to guide the practice of film title translation.The thesis tries to conduct a study on English film title translation from the perspective of Skopos theory, which breaks away from the bondage of traditional equivalence-based methods. Skopos theory defines translation as a purposeful activity as well as an intentional intercultural communication, therefore enriching translation studies and giving a new perspective to the study of film title translation. The Skopos rule is taken priority in the procedure of translation within the framework of Skopos theory. In the procedure of film title translation, the original film titles could not be taken leading position. The translator is required to employ the flexible translation methods to achieve the purpose for which target text is intended. It inspires the creativity of translator to a great extent to fulfill the artistic reproduction of English film titles.The present thesis proceeds from the features and functions of film titles and also makes a comparison between English and Chinese film titles. At the same time, the author also elaborates on the application of Skopos theory to English film title translation. The validity of Skopos theory in film title translation has been expounded through the demonstration of numerous examples. And then the author makes an exposition of English film title translation from the perspective of three rules of Skopos theory. The acceptability of translation and commercial effect of film titles are regarded as main factors influencing the choice of translation methods. The thesis focuses on the main translation principles and methods applied in the English film title translation from the perspective of Skopos theory. It comes to conclusion that literal translation, free translation, transliteration and creative translation function as effective and feasible translation methods. The translator should employ the most appropriate translation methods flexibly to achieve the purpose for which target text is intended.