A Translation Report On The Genius Of Birds From The Perspective Of German Functionalism

The present report consists of two parts: the first part is the source text and the translation of The Genius of Birds,a book by Jennifer Ackerman,a widely acclaimed popular science writer of various subjects.The second part,i.e.the critical commentary,begins with an overview of features and functions of popular science text,and a literature review of German functionalism,in which four iconic figures and their contributions are mentioned.Then the translator discusses translation strategies and methods of popular science texts adopted by the translator from the perspective of German functionalism,with the aim to explore ways of translating popular science texts that maybe useful to other translators.In discussing translation strategies,the translator mainly uses Reiss' s translation typology and Vermeer's skopostheorie to analyze the text types and functions of the ST and the TT.In reviewing some of the difficulties and problems that have been encountered,the translator reaches the following conclusions:1)Translation is a purposeful activity with various functions,but the intended function of the target text may not always be the same as the source text,and translators should be held responsible for the effects of the target text.2)Considerations must be given to the needs and interests of target readers in popular science translation,for they are the ultimate recipients of the translated text,and no translation can be successful or useful without their acceptance of the translation.3)Any methods or strategies adopted for translating a popular science text must conform to the above mentioned purposes.