On Humor Translation From The Perspective Of Nida’s Functional Equivalence

Humor is a phenomenon shared by all cultures of human beings, but its form of expression varies among languages and cultures. The most important thing in humor translation is to deliver and retain the original humorous and ironic effect. The humorous effect on target readers and the readers of the original works should be similar. Nida’s functional equivalence emphasizes the equivalent response of readers of original and translated works. Instead of the equivalence of form, the most important thing is to realize the equivalent function of language. Therefore, the theory of functional equivalence can exert meaningful influence on humor translation. Because of the difference in languages and cultures, sometimes it can’t be realized that a translator follows the original works faithfully as well as passes the humorous effect, which is also the key and difficult point in humorous translation. This thesis will discuss humor translation from the perspective of Nida’s functional equivalence, hoping that a balance could be reached between being faithful to the original works and realizing humorous function.When translating the semi-autobiography I Suck at Girls, the current author tries to explore the translation strategy of humorous material from the perspective of Nida’s functional equivalence, trying to find proper strategies for different types of humor, e.g.:translation of universal humor and humor involving language and culture elements, translation of fashionable expressions, translation of dirty words and taboos as well as touche and ironic expressions. Besides, in order to make an incisive analysis of humor translation, the current author will discuss the loss of humorous effect, which is common in humor translation.