The Three Principles Of Skopos Theory In The English Translation Of Chinese Poems Quoted By American Presidents

Foreign leaders, especially American presidents tend to quote Chinese ancient poems occasionally in their speeches. When quoted appropriately, these poems can not only add luster to their speeches, but also demonstrate their respect for Chinese culture and goodwill towards Chinese people. The English translation of these quoted poems may not necessarily be the fruits of deliberation of the foreign leaders themselves, but one thing is for sure-these English translations are destined to serve certain diplomatic or political purposes. Based on the Skopos Theory or Functionalist Translation Theory, translation is an activity with an aim or purpose. Translation means to produce a target text in a target setting for a target purpose and target addressees in target circumstances.This study, therefore, takes the perspective of Skopos Theory to analyze how the English version of quoted Chinese poems in diplomatic events reflects the three principles of Skopos Theory. This study uses selected Chinese poems quoted in foreign leader’s speeches for reference and summarizes practical translation strategies for Chinese poems. This study renews the application of Skopos Theory in modern diplomatic translation, and provides inspiration for future translations in target circumstances guided by the three principles of Skopos Theory.