The Functional Translation Theory As Guidance In The Translation Of Non-fiction Literature

According to the functional translation theory, translation is a purposeful activity. Translation is a complex activity involved of many choices which are determined by translation aims. The functional translation theory puts forward a translation principle that translation aims determine translation strategies. This principle sets translation free from the choosing dilemma of literal translation and free translation. This theory is based on translation practices, so it is effective for translation practices. Many scholars agree with its applicability to applied texts, such as government report, scientific paper, news report, legal documents and advertisements and so on, since they are very informative with clear aims. For example, Jia Wenbo said that applied-text translation complies with the functional translation theory in perspectives of text functions, translation requirements and aims. Responding to criticism of its non-applicability to literature, Nord analyzed its application to literature texts. However, non-fiction literature has different features from other literature texts, such as novels, so it is of value to discuss the application of the functional translation theory into non-literature translation. This thesis analyzed the use of the functional translation theory in non-literature.text translation through case study.This thesis chose the translation of The Warmth of Other Suns as the object of the case study. The Warmth of Other Suns is a non-fiction literature text. Through analysis of its expected readers and translation aims, this thesis discussed how to adopt specific strategies to translate words and phrases and attributive clauses, with the intension to examine the application of the functional translation theory to the translation of non-fiction literature texts. A conclusion could be drawn from the case study that the functional translation theory is of significant guidance in the translation of non-fiction literature texts.