Skopos theory also views translation as an intercultural communication, taking cultural differences into account. In this case, translating means comparing cultures and translation is not only a matter of word rendering but rather a matter of cultural rendering. Being a mode of cultural transmission, audio-visual translation should be done in a specific socio-cultural context. The same is true of the translation of English film titles with regard to their cultural function. For this reason, the film title translator is supposed to fully understand the differences between English film titles and Chinese film titles in culture-specificity. Meanwhile, the acceptability of the Chinese versions should also be enhanced.
Unlike the equivalence theory, the criterion of translation in functionalist approach is adequacy to the Skopos rather than equivalence in form. Therefore, in certain degree, this theory proves to be scientific and practical in that it provides theoretical basis for some translation methods in English film title translation that are considered as against the existing translation yet proved successful in practice. In this case, the translator is allowed more initiative than in previous translation studies. He is permitted to choose translation strategies and methods that can best serve the particular function and finally realize the Skopos of translation. For this reason, under
the guidance of Skopos theory, the translator may be clear-minded in doing English film title translation.
1.3 Structure of the Thesis
'This thesis is composed of five chapters:
Chapter One serves as an introduction, presenting the research background, theoretical framework and structure of the thesis.
Chapter Two is a general analysis of English film titles, introducing the genre of
film and discussing the features and functions of film titles. This chapter serves as the foundation for future analysis on translation policies.
Chapter Three is a theoretical retroflection. In this chapter, German functionalist approaches are revisited, covering its development and main ideas by placing,placing special emphasis on skopos theory. Meanwhile, it also gives a general literature review:of the
previous studies on English film title translation made by Chinese translation scholars.
Chapter Four offers a detailed analysis of English film title translation under the guidance of Skopos theory together with the guiding translation principles and proper
methods exemplified by a host of translated versions from different angles.
Chapter Five serves as a conclusion, summarizing the whole thesis with the significance of audience-oriented film title translation highlighted and the applicability of Skopos theory to English film title translation justified. In addition, it also points out the limitations of the present thesis and brings up some suggestions for further studies in the future.
