A Translation Report For The Autobiography Of Malcolm X(Excerpt)

This report is based on the translation of The Autobiography of Malcolm X(from Chapter 1 to Chapter 2).According to the Text Type Theory proposed by Peter Newmark,this autobiography can be classified as an expressive text.Semantic translation has proven to be very useful for such kind of text.But it is well-known that few texts are purely expressive.Considering that informative function and vocative function are also found in the source text,communicative translation is hence used in the translation of some words and sentences.Under the guidance of semantic translation theory,the translator mainly takes advantage of literal translation to deal with some sentences which use rhetoric or are quite long and difficult to understand.This method can help to convey the sense of the original text to the largest extent.While under the guidance of communicative translation theory,the translator chooses to add interpretation or notes into the translation of some culture-loaded words and phrases.In addition,such methods as free translation,shifting and extending are adopted to translate slangs and idioms.In this way,the translated text will be easier to understand and become readable to the target readers.During this translation practice,the ultimate goal of the translator is to convey the original style of the source text,thus helping the reader know what kinds of person that Malcolm X was.Besides,by exploring the suitable translation skills under the guidance of Peter Newmark's text type theories,the translator hopes that the translation project can provide useful reference points for the biographic translation.