The Instruction Of "Function Plus Loyalty" For Business English Translation

Business English falls into the category of English for special purposes. Thus, translators of business English can refer to Skopos theory with a view to realizing the purpose of the source text via concise, precise, professional and culturally accepted target texts. Whereas, when dealing with the advertisements and instructions of imports from English-speaking countries, there is something different to expect in that these are one-way communication aiming at readers’(here consumers’) purchasing of the goods. But, actually, readers often know only too little information to make informed decisions. What’s worse, there is no legal contracts between sellers and ordinary buyers to protect the latter from loss caused by their inappropriate choice of a product. Consequently, translation clients, motivated by profits, may require that translators distort the source text by adding, deleting or changing its information in order to cheat readers into buying their goods. For example, if translators deliberately omit the side effects of import medicine in the process of translation, the life and health of consumers (readers) are in jeopardy. Currently, the legal system of Chinese translation market is far from perfect, making it necessary for translators to improve their own qualities. They are supposed to abide by the principle of "function plus loyalty" initiated by Christine Nord to give regard to the interests of all the parties involved in the translation action. At times, they have to negotiate with clients so that the latter would give up attempts to cheat readers. In this way, translators are getting more and more qualified and the quality of business English translation can be greatly improved.Since knowledge of the characteristics of business English constitutes the basis of business English translation. This thesis first analyses the basic features of business English including those of the words and sentences as well as the specific culture conveyed by business English. Then it points out the general instruction of Germany functionalism translation theories for business English translation and provides a thorough introduction of these theories, especially "function plus loyalty" by Node and its application. Finally, it illustrates the application of Node’s theory in the translation of advertisements and instructions of cosmetics by analyzing the problems and putting forward ways to improve the situation. Concluding from the thesis, when translating common business English texts, translators should adhere to the principles of conciseness, preciseness and politeness as they help fulfill the function of the text as well as to faithfulness. However, when it comes to the translation of commercial ads and instructions, translators should conform to Node’s theory of "function plus loyalty" by taking into account the interests of every side. They can constantly refine their words and sentences so that the elegant language can appeal to readers (consumers) without changing, adding or deleting information of the original text. If translators are asked to cheat readers, they should try to persuade clients out of this effort and promise to do their best to render the source text into elegant Chinese. Otherwise, translators should refuse to offer their service.