On Theatre Translation From The Perspective Of Semantic Translation And Communicative Translation Theory ——Translation Report Of Born

Theatre text embodies the features of literature writings and the functions of some applied writings,which means the translation of theatre text requires much deliberation.According to Peter Newmark’s semantic translation and communicative translation theory,the choices on translation strategies and methods should be made based on the varied features and functions of different types of writings.Newmark believes theatre text mainly has the functions of expressive text and vocative text,and translators could mix the methods in semantic translation and communicative translation theory during theatre translation practice to accentuate the theatricality and deliver the sub-content in the SL text.The thesis discusses the applicability of Newmark’s theory in theatre translation based on the author’s translation practice on Born,a five-act play written by contemporary English playwright Edward Bond and summaries eight scenarios where different methods in the semantic translation and communicative translation theory could be utilized during the translation practice and revision.Born is written in both vernacular and formal English and is composed of two parts: discourse among characters which includes dialogue and monologue,and stage instructions: on action choreography and set design.The author structures the analysis part based on the two categories,and uses examples to specify when,why and how to apply some particular translation method in different scenarios.Hope with this study,the author could produce a decent translation of Born by delivering source text’s readability and performability to TL directors and actors,and trying to make the TL audiences have a similar resonance for the play as the SL audiences do.