Abstract: In this thesis, the author introduces the theory of functional equivalence and makes a thorough analysis of English news headlines in five aspects, namely, the lexical, the grammatical, the rhetorical, the cultural and the punctuation. It holds that while dealing with the rhetorical and cultural features of English news headlines, translators can adopt literal and free translation since they reflect the linguistic style and cultural elements of the original news headlines. In addition, more attention should be paid to the difference between literal translation and free translation, the application of rhetoric and the methods of adding and omitting, which aim to arouse readers’ interest and inspire readers to think with accurate information and vivid expression in clear formation and refining language. 

Key words: English news headline ; characteristics; translation

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. A Profile of News Headline .1

2.1 The Definition of News Headline

2.2 The Functions of News Headline

3. Characteristics of English News Headline3

3.1 Lexical Characteristics 

3.2 Grammatical Characteristics

3.3 Rhetorical Characteristics

  3.4 Cultural Characteristics

  3.5 Punctuation Characteristics

4. Translation of English News Headline.8

4.1 Literal Translation

4.2 Free Translation

   4.2.1 Add Information

   4.2.2 Reserve Original Rhetorical Feature

   4.2.3 Add and Omit

5. Conclusion10

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements12