On The Translation Of Contemporary Fantasy Literature From The Perspective Of Equivalent Effect Theory

An increasing number of foreign fantasy novels have so far been translated into Chinese.Following the publication of numerous Chinese translations, and as it is gaining growing popularity among the readers, the translation quality of the genre calls for much discussion.Studies on translation of this type of literature is limited in scope and depth, which indicates that further work need to be done in this field.What the fantasy novels brings to their readers is a mysterious and magical world, and those magnificent scenes and the journey of good and evil are passed to the readers through words. Whether the charm of words could be reproduced is a vital element determining the quality of such translations. The translation theory of “equivalent effect”, with its focuses on reader’s feeling and response, provides a perspective for the study of fantasy novel translation.This dissertation discusses the translation of fantasy novels from the perspective of equivalent effect, with special reference to the hot-cake Chinese translation of A game of Thrones(A song of Ice and Fire Vol.I) by Tan Guanglei and Qu Chang. Taking into account the features of fantasy novels, this dissertation employs the perspective of equivalent effect to interpret and evaluate the translation, so as to discuss the merits and demerits of the translation and to explore the laws underlining the translation of this type of fiction, and eventually sum up corresponding translation strategies. Under the guidance of equivalent effect theory, from the angle of content, language and style, this dissertation analyses if the Chinese translation is in accordance with the original book. In terms of content, the translator should focus on conveying the main idea of the original book, trying to find the closet natural equivalent between two different cultural background. As far as the language is concerned,translator should aim at communicating and choosing suitable words for intended receptor audience, adopting an intelligible way to organize the form and structure. As for the style,translator should try to retain the dramatic effect of epic fantasy, and also try to reproduce the suspense of plot in original book.Although a large number of translations have been discussed from the stance of equivalent effect, fantasy novel translation remains a more-or-less maiden land for research from this standpoint. Therefore, the dissertation takes a new translation sample as its object of study, and a certain instructive significance for the translation of fantasy novels is anticipated.