A Translation Practice Report On Griffith Review (Excerpts)

The articles selected in this report are from Griffith Review 40, Cracking the dress code, Back to base, Madame Butterfly’s revenge, all themed on feminism. With the development of economy and education, as well as the emancipation of mind, the social position of women has kept on rising. In the meantime, more and more books themed on feminism have been published. The reason why the translator selects aforementioned articles is to supply more micro information to more readers, and for them to perceive the change which feminism brings.The task is to translate the selected materials, from English to Chinese, in expectation to offer related information on feminism to Chinese readers. Before the beginning of translation, it is essential to analyze the chosen translation materials.Based on that, the translator selects the Text Typology Theory as guidance. According to language functions, Peter Newmark has divided all texts into three types: the expressive text, the informative text and the vocative text.Essays, according to Text Typology Theory, are classified as expressive texts.According to the theory, semantic translation is more appropriate for this type as for it can show personal components of the original writer and his or her writing aims.However, certain small parts or sentences may hold other functions, such as to offer information or to persuade readers out of their prejudice, or even to react and fight the reality. Under such circumstances, the translation strategy should change accordingly,and communicative translation may prove more effective.