Abstract: This paper which is based on the translation theory of German Functionalist School——Skopos theory, intends to explore the guiding value of Skopos theory in film title translation from characteristics of film title and its purpose of translation. The hot film titles are analyzed to achieve a combination of art and commerce in translation. Proceeding from the features and functions of the film title, this thesis analyzes the main translation methods and strategies applied in film title translation from the perspective of Skopostheory. The merits and limitations of each method have been discussed. In this thesis the author intends to argue that film title translation should be under the basic principle of fulfilling the specific functions of the film title through adopting translation methods properly to make film title translation achieve better results.

Key words: film title translation; Skopos theory; translation strategies; commercial value

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Skopos Theory2

2.1 Development of Skopos Theory

  2.1.1 Katharina Reiss’s Functionalism

  2.1.2 Hans J. Vermeer’s Skopos Theory

  2.1.3 Justa Holz-Manttari’s Theory of Translational Action

  2.1.4 Christiane Nord’s Function plus Loyalty Model

2.2 Rules of Skopos Theory

  2.2.1 The Skopos Rule

  2.2.2 The Coherence Rule

  2.2.3 The Fidelity Rule

  2.2.4 Function Plus Loyalty

3. Application of Skopos Theory to Film Title Translation4

3.1 Skopos Theory’s Influence on Film Title Translation 

    3.1.1 Film Title Translation as a Purposeful Activity

  3.1.2 Film Title Translation as an Intercultural Action

3.2 Functions of Film Title Translation from the Skopos Theory

3.2.1 Informative Function

3.2.2 Aesthetic Function

3.2.3 Culture Function

3.2.4 Commercial Function

4. Translation Strategies From the Perspective of Skopos Theory 7

4.1 Transliteration

4.2 Literal Translation

4.3 Liberal Translation

4.4 Adaption Translation

5. Conclusion.10

Bibliography11

Acknowledgements.12