A Comparative Study of the Chinese Translations of English Film Titles from the Perspective of Skopos Theory
Abstract
The title of a film is an important factor in attracting audiences and markets. The same film in English is often released in different Chinese translations in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. According to the skopos theory, the purpose of translation determines the whole process and result of translation; the specific purpose of translation of a film title determines the uniqueness of its translation. Starting from skopos theory perspective, the paper compares and analyses the differences and the reasons behind the translations of specific film titles from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is found that mainland China tends to translate English titles in a more direct and conservative manner, while Hong Kong and Taiwan tend to translate them in a more paraphrased manner and with local language characteristics. The possible reasons for these differences lie in the different attitudes towards film, social mechanisms and linguistic and cultural differences between the three places.
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