Translation Of Public Signs From The Perspective Of Functionalism

This thesis attempts to explore the translation of public signs from the perspectiveof functionalism. Detailed analyses of abundant examples contribute to prove thatfunctionalist theory is very appropriate in the process of translation.This thesis consists of six parts: the First Chapter is concerned with thebackground and significance of this thesis. Chapter Two makes a thorough analysis ofpublic signs: the definitions, the features, the classification as well as functions.Chapter Three is the theoretical basis of this thesis which summarizes the developmentof functionalist translation theories. Functionalists believe that Skopos is the guidingprinciple of functionalist translation and determines the translation strategies andmethods. And one of the most important factors that determine a translation purpose isthe addressee-the intended receiver or audience in the target language, withexpectations and communicative needs. Meanwhile, the author gives a generaloverview on the current situation of the translation of public signs in China and abroad.Chapter Four is devoted to the application of functionalist theory to the translation ofpublic signs, especially the Skopos theory. Chapter Five is the key part of this thesis.The author carries out an in-depth exploration into the problems existing in thetranslation of public signs from the perspective of functionalist approaches. Byclassifying the mistranslation of public signs on linguistic, pragmatic, and culturallevels, the author discusses the cultural errors in detail. Some strategies for theproblems are put forward respectively. The author makes an analysis into the causes ofthe problems in the Chinese-English translation of public signs and determines that thetranslator needs not only proficiency in two languages, he or she must also be at homein two cultures. In other words, he or she must be bilingual and bicultural.Chapter Six is the summary of the thesis. We can conclude that linguisticallyoriented translation approaches are inadequate to provide guidelines for the translationof public signs, in that they focus on the source-language culture; while functionalistapproaches hold that the overall frame of reference for the translator should not be theoriginal but the function or set of functions the target text is to achieve in the targetculture. Therefore, when handling translation problems, functionalist approaches canprovide a guiding principle for the translators.