The Translation Of Animal Idioms: A Functional-equivalence-based Approach

The traditional study about idioms is generally descriptive not prescriptive. In thisthesis, the author brings forward the view that functional equivalence theory by Nidais a theory applicable to guide the translation of animal idioms. It argues that Nida’sfunctional equivalence theory is of most appropriation for the translation of animalidioms. First, it briefly introduces the background of the study, objectives of the studyand research method. Next, this thesis makes an overall study of equivalence theoryand surveys recent relevant studies on this theory. Then it gives a detailed descriptionof animal idioms, the cultural origins of some animal idioms are classified therein.Before the discussion of the feasibility of applying equivalence theory to animalidiom translation, the author investigates problems in animal idiom translation andfinally puts forward some equivalence-theory-guided methods to its translation. Thisthesis proves that equivalence theory is a practical and appropriate principle foranimal idiom translation. With functional equivalence theory as guidance, animalidiom translation is expected to be of higher quality and better effect.It is sincerely hoped that this research will enlighten translators with the respect ofanimal idiom translation and make a little contribution to the progress of research onanimal idiom translation and to its better translation in China.