| As a well-known American linguist and translation theorist, Eugene A. Nida isfamous for his Functional Equivalence theory, which makes great contribution to westerntranslation field, including making translation an academic field. Functional Equivalencestresses more on the receptor’s response rather than the equivalence in linguistic levelemphasized by traditional translation theorists. The focus of this theory is that theequivalent response between the original receptor to the source text and target receptor tothe target language is expected to achieve.Nida’s Functional Equivalence theory has great feasibility in guiding humortranslation. The function of humor is to entertain people and activate the atmosphere. Aslong as the humorous effect can be perceived by the target receptor as the originalreceptor does, the translation is successful. So, in this sense, Functional Equivalence canbe applied to humor translation. We all know that this theory has been used in variousfields, and valuable results have been attained. But, for the humor translation, it is arelatively new area for the application of this theory.Everybody Loves Raymond is a successful American sitcom, which is family-centered and gains great popularity throughout America and other countries. This sitcomis chosen as a case to study the feasibility of Functional Equivalence from language andculture level. Also, some principles should be kept in mind when translators utilize thistheory. What’s more, some bad and unsuitable translations are found based on thecomprehension of Functional Equivalence theory and some suggested solutions are putforward.The feasibility of Functional Equivalence theory in the humor translation is furthertestified through analyzing this sitcom. Of course, there are still some shortcomings in theapplications because of the limitations of this theory. As a result, it is a long way forensuring the humor translation to thrive for a more systematic and scientific way. |
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