Abstract

TV programs are a special carrier of culture, and Chinese are increasingly aware of the importance of such text amid the rapid economic development. There are a variety of topics provided by TV programs, ranging from economy, politics, military, culture, entertainment and so on. A good translation could add to the attractiveness of the programs. The criteria for good translated version of TV programs are being not only terse and forceful, but also outstanding and catchy in order to impress the target audience. To achieve the intended effects, translators must consider a lot of facts and employ appropriate translation methods. 

This study focuses on the translation of TV program titles and probes further into the skills of such translation on the basis of skopos theory and its three principles. The study selects a lot of previous data on the same issue and after analyzing, and puts forward one important point: translators of TV program titles must bear in mind “the result justifies the means”. At the same time, the study proposes that translation of such texts should consider three aspects: linguistic, culture and aesthetic levels. In terms of techniques of the translation, besides literal and liberal translation creative translation is advocated by skopos theory to make the translation more appealing and memorable. All in all, translators must note that the target of their work are audiences and locate their way and direct to produce well-refined work.

Key words: TV program titles, Skopos theory, translation principles，techniques

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 Analysis of TV Program Titles-2

2.1 Features of TV Program Titles-2

2.1.1 Conciseness-2

2.1.2 Vividness-3

2.1.3 Approachableness-3

2.2 Functions of TV Program Titles-3

2.2.1 Drawing the Attention of Audiences-4

2.2.2 Conveying Main Points of the TV Programs-4

2.2.3 Engaging Audiences-4

3 Skopos Theory-5

3.1 Definition of Skopos Theory-5

3.2 Basic Rules of Skopos Theory-6

4 Application of Skopos Theory in the Translation of Chinese TV Program Titles-6

4.1 Linguistic Level-7

4.2 Cultural Level-8

4.3 Aesthetic Level-9

5 Techniques in the Translation of Chinese TV Program Titles-10

5.1 Literal Translation-10

5.2 Liberal Translation-11

5.3 Creative Translation-12

6 Conclusion-13

6.1 Study Implications-13

6.2 Some Limitations and Suggestions of the Study-14

References-15