E-C Translation Strategies Of Vocative Texts

Peter Newmark identifies the three types of source language texts based on thethree language functions proposed by Buhler. In Newmark’s text-type theory, heasserts that all texts shall be categorized into three types: expressive texts, informativetexts and vocative texts. Based on the characteristics of each type of text, he putsforward two translation methods: semantic translation and communicative translation.Flexible translation strategies need to be employed depending on different contexts.Although most texts attach emphasis on one function, they may include more than onetext-type. In this sense, focusing on either semantic or communicative translationmethod is not likely to recreate a translation accurate in content and specific in style.Only when combined together can they reproduce a satisfying translated text.Based on Peter Newark’s translation theory, this thesis analyzes the languagefunctions of30Exercises for Designers, a manual for people who aim to improvetheir creativity in art, photography, writing etc., reaching a conclusion that this bookconsists of three text-types with an emphasis on the vocative function. Therefore, thetranslator was expected to adopt the translation methods of both semantic translationand communicative translation, following the principle of equivalents in form, contentand the effect on readers. Specifically, the translation strategies adopted in thetranslation process include literal translation, conversion, extension, addition,substitution and explanation, aimed to reproduce a translated text with accuracy andfluency.