Translation Of Social Science Readings From The Perspective Of Functional Theories

Social science readings, delivering research outcomes and academic breakthroughs of different disciplines, play an important role in the spreading of knowledge. Different from academic literature, however, social science readings are presented in an easily-understood way which is accessible for most readers. The translation of social science readings, which falls in to the category of non-literary translation, plays a crucial role in the knowledge spreading process.Functional theories advanced in Germany in the 1970s and 80s provide a multi-faceted approach to non-literary translation, elevating translation studies from linguistic to cultural level. Intercultural factors are introduced to translation studies. Prominent functional theories include text type, translatorial action, skopos theory and translation-oriented text analysis. Under functional theories, "skopos" (purpose) is a significant factor to be considered, and translators are given more freedom in translation.The source text of this translation practice is Chapter 1, “Introduction” and Chapter 9, “China and Taiwan”, Mobility after Mao, in The Son Also Rises:Surnames and the History of Social Mobility written by Prof. Gregory Clark in University of California, Davis. Through translation-oriented text analysis and skopos theory, it is concluded that for Chinese readers, the skopos of the two chapters are different and different translation strategies should be adopted to produce the Target Text which is appropriate and appealing to Target Readers.