A Compartive Study Of The Translation Of Offitial Titles In The Two English Versions Of San Guo Yan Yi

As one of the representatives of Chinese classics, San Guo Yan Yi is popular among readers from both home and abroad. It is the refined language, compact structures, rigorous logic, intricate plots and classic characters that contribute to the beauty and charm of the novel. There is no doubt that various kinds of foreign versions of San Guo Yan Yi have made great contributions to its wide spread in foreign countries. Its English versions include complete ones and partial ones. Feasible English translation strategies are required in order to present this novel to foreign readers in a clearer and more complete way which can help foreign readers fully understand the historical origin and cultural connotation of San Guo Yan Yi. This thesis, in light of Manipulation theory, researches the English translation strategies of official titles of San Guo Yan Yi by means of comparing its two complete English versions entitled Three Kingdoms and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Manipulation theory includes three aspects: ideology, poetics and patronage. Taylor’s and Roberts’ different translation backgrounds, different ideologies and different patronages will be compared comprehensively in light of this theory. It is very obvious that Manipulation theory is quite appropriate to be employed in this thesis. Through comparing the two English versions, advantages and disadvantages of translating official titles in San Guo Yan Yi can be concluded, which can pave a way for discovering more appropriate translation strategies for the official titles of San Guo Yan Yi. As a result, these new English translation strategies summed up in this thesis will surely contribute to much more accurate English versions of San Guo Yan Yi as well as other Chinese classics.