摘 要

苏州古典园林的景点名称言语精炼，文化内涵丰富，这给翻译工作带来很大挑战。随着国际文化交流的日益频繁，将这些信息有效传达显得至关重要。翻译目的论提出翻译目的决定实现译文预期功能的翻译策略和方法和三大翻译原则。本文借助翻译目的论的三大原则，目的原则，连贯原则和忠诚原则，总结归纳了苏州园林景点名称现存的英语翻译问题，并提出了相关修改建议，旨在能够更有效地增强园林文化的对外传播效果。

关键词：苏州园林；景点名称英译；翻译目的论；翻译法则；翻译方法

Contents

1. Introduction 1
2. Demonstration 1
   1. Skopos Theory 1
      1. Production and development of Skopos Theory 1
      2. Content and principles of Skopos Theory 2
   2. Literature review about the scenic spots translation 3
      1. Analysis on the scenic spots translation from different perspectives 3
      2. Application of Skopos Theory in different translation research fields 4
   3. Analysis under Skopos Theory on English translation of the names of Suzhou garden scenic spots 4
      1. Inconformity with Skopos Rule 5
      2. Inconformity with Coherence Rule 7
      3. Inconformity with Fidelity Rule 8
         1. Improper translation 8
         2. Inadequate understanding of the original text 9
         3. Spelling and case mistakes, translation omissions 10
3. Conclusion 12

Works Cited 14

Bibliography 15

On English Translation of the Names of Suzhou Garden Scenic Spots from the Perspective of Skopos Theory

Introduction

Suzhou Classical Garden is famous for its ingenuity, simplicity and elegance. With the increasing frequency of international cultural exchanges, more and more foreign friends are becoming more interested in Suzhou garden culture. The names of Suzhou gardens are simple but concise which are often associated with historical allusions or classical poetry. They are not only rich in content, but also beautiful in artistic conception. Therefore, it is pretty crucial to effectively communicate the information.

By taking different approaches, ranging from looking up the translation versions online, field visit to consulting authoritative books, rigorous comparative research is made with regards to the translation of the names of Suzhou garden scenic spots, including the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Lingering Garden, the Lion Forest Garden, and the Master-of-Nets Garden. First-hand information and texts include attractions brochures, sight signs, and attraction cards. Previous research, which is stood for Suzhou Garden written by Chen Congzhou, World Heritage Suzhou Classical Garden by the Suzhou Municipal Garden Administration, and Japanese photographer Ji Hegong’s A Pictorial Record of Suzhou Gardens ,etc. Some possible mistakes have been summarized in terms of diverse translation versions of Suzhou garden attractions. Furthermore, under the guidance of the Skopos Theory, combined with the translation strategy, feasible solutions have been proposed.

Demonstration

• 1. Skopos Theory
     1. Production and development of Skopos Theory

The Skopos Theory has gone through the stage from germination to development,

and finally gradually matures and forms an unitary system. In the early 1970s, the famous German scholar Katharina Reiss put forward that the target language and source language should achieve equivalence in terms of conceptual content, linguistic form, and communication function in her book Translation Criticism: Possibilities and Limitation. The theory she proposed laid the foundation for the Skopos Theory. In 1978, Hans J. Vermeer proposed in his book Framework for a General Translation Theory that the core of translation theory is Skopos Theory, opening up a new approach to translation studies which has a revolutionary impact on the translation industry. In 1984, Hans Vermeer and Reiss co-authored Groundwork for a General Theory of Translation, based on the behavioral theory, formally proposed Skopos Theory in this book. In addition, as one of the leading figures in the German functional school, Christiane Nord systematically elaborated and combed the Skopos Theory and further refined the theoretical system.

• • 1. Content and principles of Skopos Theory

Translation is a purposeful communicative activity. The Skopos Theory puts more emphasis on that the strategy and method of translation determines the way to translate. It holds the view that translation is purposeful and aims to achieve a certain purpose or function. According to Vermeer's Skopos Theory, three fundamental rules are allowed to obey, which are the Skopos Rule, the Coherence Rule, and the Fidelity Rule (1978).