Abstract

As a vivid form of art, films are an important means of cultural transmission. In today's film industry, the proportion of English cartoon films is growing rapidly. The English cartoon film as a genre of the film is now not just for the children to enjoy, also appears many adults. Good titles can play a positive effect on the film and stimulate the audience to watch the film. As a result, translating film titles well plays an important role in promoting box office. Secondly, the translation of English cartoon film titles should not only keep original characteristic, but also abide by the features of the film titles, which are concise and attracting the audience. Therefore, it is of academic significance to study the translation of English cartoon film titles. 

Based on the Skopos Theory, this paper will focus on analyzing the linguistic features and summarizing the frequently-used translation strategies through listing thinking angles of English cartoon film title translation. Studies show that character, plot and theme could be considered firstly when we translate English cartoon film titles. Secondly, the translation should conform to the language habits of Chinese. It can use four-word phrases, verbs, magic words and fixed expressions to make the titles vivid. Thirdly, the translation should adhere to principles of translation and meet faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance. On this basis, some examples will be given to provide references for the relevant theoretical study.

Key words: English Cartoon Film Titles; the Skopos Theory; Thinking Angles; Linguistic Features; Translation Strategies

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Purpose and Significance of the Study-1

1.2 Organization of the Study-1

2. Literature Review-2

2.1 English Cartoon Films-2

2.2 Previous Studies on Cartoon Film Title Translation-3

3. Theoretical Background—Skopos Theory-4

3.1 The Definition of Skopos Theory-4

3.2 Three Rules of Skopos Theory-5

4. English Cartoon Film Title Translation-6

4.1 Purposes-6

4.1.1 Informative Purpose-6

4.1.2 Aesthetic Purpose-6

4.1.3 Commercial Purpose-6

4.2 Thinking Angles-7

4.2.1 Plot-based Perspective-7

4.2.2 Character- based Perspective-8

4.2.3 Theme-based Perspective-9

4.3 Linguistic Features-9

4.3.1 Employment of Verbs-10

4.3.2 Employment of ‘Magic Words’-10

4.3.3 Employment of ‘Four-Word Expressions’-10

4.3.4 Employment of Fixed Expressions-11

4.4 Strategies-12

4.4.1 Literal Translation-12

4.4.2 Free Translation-13

4.4.3 Transliteration-13

4.4.4 Adaptation-14

4.4.5 Supplementary Translation-15

5. Conclusion-15

References-17