A Study On The Translation Of English Novel Based On Catford’s Translation Shifts

By comparing and analysis of Catford’s theory of translation shifts, the paper is aimed to analyze the theory of translation shifts which is applied to the Chinese versions of English novels as the language material. According to the analysis of Catford’s theory of translation shifts by the two versions, the merits of Catford’s theory of translation shifts can be probed here. Few people strive to investigate the advantages of Catford’s theory of translation shifts and differences of translation shifts with others, though studies on the translational means and translational strategies have been prevailed decades in China. Catford puts up with the term "translation shifts". This kind of translation teachnique refers to changes and shifts of words, phrases, sentences and so on in the process of translating. The theory has a strong influence on the development of translation. The theory is based on Halliday’s systematic linguistics. From the perspective of linguistics, the theory evokes the fucntional and systematic features and closes to the target language.Catford is the first person who put forward the theory of translation shifts which is a realization of "translation shifts". He classified the theory further. Except that, the thesis introduces the achievements from other translation experts. The chapter4probes the advantages of translation shifts through the discussion of the two Chinese versions of Jane Eyre. The theory of translation shifts plays an important role in the pave of translation. Structure shifts, unit shifts, category shifts which are applied in Jane Eyre are introduced in detail. Lastly, the major study on Catford’s translation shifts is founded and the last part gives the contributions and disadvantages.This thesis composes five chapters. In Chapter One, the key purpose of this thesis will be illustrated. In Chapter Two there are various translation experts abroad and at home studying Catford’s theory of translation shifts. Chapter Three is inclined to the important theoretical framework. The features of Catford’s theory of translation shifts are expressed. Chapter Four is the center of the thesis. The analysis and discussion of the Chinese versions of Jane Eyre will be demonstrated, which evokes the advantages of Catford’s theory of translation shifts. In the last part, the major study is expressed but at the same time some limitations and advances are also analyzed.