Translation Of Passive Voice In EST From The Perspective Of Skopos Theory

This paper, based on the Chinese translation of "Guidelines for On-the-Job Training and Evaluation", analyzes the application of the three Rules of Skopos theory in EST (English for Science and Technology) translation and discusses the translation methods of passive sentences in EST from the perspective of Skopos theory.The Skopos theory, proposed by Hans J. Vermeer and other scholars, has significant guidance on EST, which is characterized by strong purpose. The three Rules of Skopos theory-Skopos Rule, Coherence Rule and Fidelity Rule, provide a new research perspective and translation standard for EST translation.From the perspective of Skopos theory, this paper classifies into four types the translation methods of passive voice in EST through analysis of translation examples. The first, under the main guidance of Fidelity Rule, the passive voice in English should be kept in Chinese when passive meaning is stressed. The second, from the perspective of Coherence Rule, most passive sentences should be converted into active sentences in Chinese, in which active voice is widely used. This type can be further divided into two minor ones:the English subject should be maintained in Chinese when the features or changes of the substance are depicted; the original subject should be translated into Chinese object when there contains the passive marker "by" in English and it is followed by the agent who performs the action expressed by predicate verb. The third, under the joint influence of Coherence Rule and Fidelity Rule, the passive sentences in English should be translated into No-Subject sentences in Chinese when it is unnecessary or unable to indicate the agent. The fourth, similar to the third type, guided by Coherence Rule and Fidelity Rule, the passive sentences in English should be translated into Chinese Determinative sentences when the property, the state or the developing process of the substance is emphasized. The three Rules of Skopos theory are able to guide translation of EST, which helps the translator better master the translation of passive voice, improves the quality of EST translation, and further promotes international science and technology communication.