Abstract: As a famous Chinese novel by Wu Jingzi in Qing Dynasty, Ru Lin Wai Shi represents the peak of ancient Chinese satire literature, embedded with profound Chinese culture. However, such colorful cultural terms as place names, personal names, costumes, customs and imperial examination system may also serve as the obstacle of translating this novel. Due to cultural and linguistic differences, both denotative and connotative meanings are difficult for understanding and translation. This paper aims to study the translating process of cultural terms in Ru Lin Wai Shi from the perspective of functional equivalence theory, exploring the corresponding translation strategies.

Key words: Ru Lin Wai Shi; cultural terms; translation; functional equivalence

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction-1

2. Cultural Terms and Functional Equivalence-2

2.1 Cultural Terms and Translation-2

2.2 Theory of Functional Equivalence-2

3. The Translation of Cultural Terms in Ru Lin Wai Shi-3

3.1 Place Names-3

3.2 People’s Name and Appellation-4

3.3 Dressing-6

3.4 Custom-7

3.5 Examination System-7

4. Conclusion-8

Bibliography

Acknowledgments