Analysis Of Literary Translation From The Perspective Of Appraisal Theory

Appraisal Theory is an extension on interpersonal meaning of systemic functional linguistics. Martin and White recognize it is not enough to merely study language from view of the structure and the function; The attention on the significance of the object value given by the speaker through language should be bestowed as well. Appraisal Theory focuses on building a theoretical framework for the systematic and comprehensive study of all means of evaluative language in discourse. The theory has been widely used in the media, education, and other types of discourse studies since its establishment; however, few researchers apply Appraisal Theory to the analysis of literature works and to the analysis of evaluative discourse involved in their translated works. Discourse analysis, as an effective mean of comprehensive understanding of literary works not only correctly comprehends the understanding of the information conveyed by the discourse, but also guides the conduct of the translating works (Hatim:2002). The paper attempts to conduct analysis study on evaluative resource of literary work and its translations by applying Appraisal Theory. Through theoretical interpretation and case analysis, it aims at proving that literary works can be appreciated through the assistance of Appraisal Theory and the comprehension of original literary discourse can be enhanced by means of Appraisal Theory, meanwhile it not only provides a theoretical basis for the appreciation and understanding of literary works, but also proves the importance and feasibility of combining Appraisal Theory and translation studies. What is more, it verifies the operability of applying Appraisal Theory to the analysis of literary works as well as provides a valuable basis for directing translation practice and appreciation of literary works.The paper is divided into five chapters. The first chapter, as the introductory part, explains the significance of this research, research background and paper structure, the second chapter is the literature review, involving three main aspects, firstly the review of historical situation of Appraisal Theory by experts and scholars at home and abroad, and then recalling the overview of literary translation. Finally it summarizes the works of Mark Twain and the two translations of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The third chapter, the fourth chapter and the five chapter are central parts of the paper among which the chapter three expounds the theoretical framework of the three domains embedded in Appraisal Theory (attitude, engagement and graduation) and the chapter four introduces the research methods,etc. In the fifth chapter, the evaluative resources selected from excerpt of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and the corresponding translations from two versions are conducted a qualitative and quantitative data statistics and analysis. In the last chapter, the paper makes a conclusion, summarizing the achievements and limitations of the study, and putting forward some further advice.