Analysis of Translating Titles of English Movies into Chinese1

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1、浅析英文电影片名的汉译Analysis of Translating Titles of English Movies into Chinese ContentsAbstract.1Key words.1I. Introduction.2II. Literature Review.2III. Different Styles of Films.3IV. The Principles of Translating Films Titles.3V. The Basic Four Values of Standards for Translating Titles.41. Information v

2、alue.42. Cultural value.53. Aesthetic value.51) Four letter phrase.52) One letter phrase.64. Commercial value.6VI. Some Approaches of Translation for Translating Titles.71. Literal translation.72. Transliteration.73. Free translation.84. The literal-plus-free translation.9VII. Conclusion.9References

3、.9 Analysis of Translating Titles of English Movies into ChineseAnalysis of Translating Titles of English Movies into ChineseAbstract: Translating titles of English films into Chinese is vital and viewed as a direct and easy way of introducing the foreign culture. Film titles play a very important r

4、ole in understanding a film. And it becomes an important method in the activity of the cultural communication. So, translating titles of English films into Chinese becomes a very important subject in the field of the translation gradually. This essay, combining the characteristics of the films conte

5、nt with different theories about translating titles, focuses on the linguistic and cultural differences between the west and east and the effect of titles on the audience. That is to say, from the audiences aesthetic judgment and reception competence, this article introduces four basic standards, to

6、gether with four translating methods to research the translation of films titles.Key words: functional equivalence; informative value; aesthetic value; literal translation 摘要：外国电影的翻译是介绍异域文化的一种简洁直观的手段，而电影片名的翻译又是影片翻译的重中之重。电影片名在了解一部电影内容方面扮演着重要的角色。电影成为跨文化活动的一个重要手段。因而电影翻译也逐渐成为了翻译领域中愈来愈重要的课题。本文根据片名翻译的理论基础

7、，结合外国影片题材特点，着重从东西方语言，文化的差异及观众效应，即观众审美情趣和接受能力角度提出了指导片名翻译的四大价值标准，概括了片名翻译的主要方法。关键词：功能对等；信息价值；审美价值；直译 I. Introduction Film is a new style of art after literature, drama, music, dance, painting, sculpture and construction with the development of science and technology. With more and more economic and cul

8、tural communication among countries in the world, film becomes an important media to the cultural communication; however, the translation of films becomes a more and more important topic in the field of the translation gradually. The title of film is an essential part of film that concludes the func

9、tions of showing the content, transmitting the meaning to audience. A good translation of film could perform an important function. All of the people are interested in those films that are art in the world. In modern China, Translators are interested in translating English films into Chinese, titles

10、 of films are not only reflecting the contents of the films, but also transmitting the information briefly and originally. When we translate the titles, we should pay attention to understanding the style and the meaning of the films, and make full use of all kinds of ways of translation properly and

11、 flexibly. Translation of foreign films is a direct and easy way of introducing the foreign culture. This essay, combining the characteristics of the films content with different theories about translating titles, focuses on the linguistic and cultural differences between the west and east and the e

12、ffect of titles on the audience. That is to say, from the audiences aesthetic judgment and reception competence, this article introduces four basic standards, together with four translating methods to research the translation of films titles. II. Literature ReviewThe research of the translating titl

13、es of the English films into Chinese is a long term. Hongwei Chen divided the function of the films titles into three aspects: information function, aesthetic function and imperative function. Information function transmits the content of the film to audience by titles of films, let audience underst

14、and the original films. Aesthetic function passes the enjoyment of beauty to audience through the thoughtful title, But the information function and aesthetic function is serving for imperative function. Film is differing from other styles of works. It produces a kind of effect by information media.

15、 So the translating titles of English films into Chinese are differ from other styles of translation. But it is transnational cultural activity. From the kind of style, translating titles of English films belongs to translation research, although the scholars who research it was few. In China, the s

16、cholars pay more attention to it gradually. Yuemin said there are so many problems in western translating films titles and many methods to solve the problems. According to the function equivalence, translators connect the characteristics of Chinese and English translating titles of films, and put fo

17、rward the four values of standards of standards to instruct the translating titles of films, generalize the main approaches to translate titles.III. Different Styles of Films Different subjects of films have different style. In different subjects of films, the titles could transmit the content of th

18、e film; arouse audiences wonderful imagination and the desire of watching film. Horror film is adventures and stirring, it romances the horror and adventurous atmosphere and has Impact of sight. Romantic film is romantic and elegant; it is full of gentle and fragrant. Science fiction is the integrat

19、ion of fantastic, fantasy and fright, describe the fictional world. Comedy shape the feeling of relaxes and humorous environment show the comedic style. Different subjects express and display different content, the title of the film is a useful way to show the subject and the content of the film. Th

20、ere is a clear purpose and principles for the translator to choose and decide the name of the film, the films name is the direct window for the businessmen and the audience to have the inter-communication, the poor name is usually has nothing to do with the content of the film. For example: The Duck

21、 was translated into公爵and the film While You Are Sleeping was translated into当你入眠时, this name was not reflect the content of the film and the audience will be puzzled by the name.The first step of translating a good film is to understand the characters and resources of the film. It is the best way t

22、o translate an excellent title. The title of the film is always from the plot, the background, theme and the clue of the protagonist. In order to translate the name of the film more convenience, these films have to be categorized, because it is hard to put any film into one type. Actually, most of t

23、hem belong to comprehension one. Title not only can be an affectionate film, but also can be a comedy or a swordsmen film. For example, Windspeaks, Men In Black2 belong to science fiction and comedy movie.IV. The Principles of Translating Films TitlesYan Fu believes that the principles of translatio

24、n are faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance. In the titles of films, faithfulness means that the translated titles should be faithful to the original meaning, expressiveness means that the translation of titles expresses freely and exactly just like original titles, but elegance is nice in elega

25、nt diction.Concerning the argument of the principle for translation, some scholars abide by Yan Fus principle of translation of faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance. Only in this way can we translate good titles for films, or we cannot do it. So we can see the importance of the principle of tra

26、nslation. When we translate every films title, we should follow the basic principles or we cannot do a successful translator.The four principles in translating titles of English films: information value, cultural value, aesthetic value and commercial value are the combination of the “faithfulness, e

27、xpressiveness and elegance” and the subjects of films. V. The Basic Four Values of Standards for Translating Films TitlesAlthough the title of film is brief and short, it is one of the films essential components and necessary to its marketing and audience appeal. When we translate the title of film,

28、 we should pay more attention to the basic values of standards. Translation is not a simple process of transforming language. At the same time, it is a social phenomenon of the translating of the two cultures. In the translating titles of English films, embodying the cultural value, and promoting th

29、e transmitting of culture, and understanding is a main task to translation. Only do this way can we translate a suitable title, or we cant express the meaning of the films.Deeply grasp the aesthetic content of the films, transmit the original image and language by target language. Only do this way,

30、can we attract the notice of audience.Film is also a commercial art, so when we translate the title of film, we should take the commercial element into account. The financial value analyze the title is new-style and embroiders the mood. In general, the four values of standards are basic values of st

31、andards, the title of film is not only follow the original content, but also accord with the cultural characteristic and aesthetic sentiment, improve the benefit of the box office.1. Information valueOnly unify the translating title and original content, can we realize the equality of the informatio

32、n value in translation of the title. Uncanny title is derivate from the information value. Foe example, Home Alone was translated into小鬼当家. 小鬼is a nickname in China, show the peoples intelligence and courage, and peoples mischief, and that the little guy accord with the image in the film. 当家means on

33、e people dominate the all and the one. In the film, the guy struggle with two thieves, he shows the animated image. So Home Alone is unifying the translating title and original title, and realizes the equality of the information value. Gone With the Wind 乱世佳人 is a good example. 乱世explain the backgro

34、und of the story(the Civil War), 佳人 point the actress of the film. Translating titles show the misfortune experience, realize the equality of the information value, transmit the related information. For example, Tue Lies was translated into 魔鬼大帝, the translating title is incongruous with original co

35、ntent.2. Cultural valueTranslation is not only the process of translating language, but also the social phenomena of the translating of the two cultures. Due to the western films always related to the national literature, history, philosophy, religion, tradition and custom. Translators should think

36、about the difference between two cultures when they translate the films title.For example, Seven is a horror film about seven sins in Bible. 七宗罪translate the culture that including western religion, the theme of the film is clear and help audience to understand.In addition, idiom and allusion includ

37、e a great deal of cultural information. We cant understand from the literal meaning. For example, One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest, cuckoo also means crazy. Madhouse is the background of the film, it reflect the social problem since 1960s in United States. ignorance of the meaning of the idioms and th

38、e meaning of the culture.飞跃杜鹃窝is irrelevant to the subject ,so cuckoos nest should be translated into飞跃疯人院.Due to the different cultures, the associated meaning is different. For example, because Dragon Heart was translated into魔龙传奇, dragon has negative affection in England, but dragon stand for nat

39、ion and success in China.3. Aesthetic value The translator should grasp the aesthetic content, show the beauty to audience by distinct language, and stimulate the image largely.1) Four letter phraseFour letter phrases are simple and clear, it is the character of Chinese. In translating title, transl

40、ator should exert the advantage of Chinese language, transmit the theme of the film, and satisfy the audiences aesthetic mind. There are some examples about four letter phrases translation.For example, Top Gun was translated into 壮志凌云. The translating title shows the patriotism and heroism. Die Hard

41、 was translated into 虎胆龙威, the courage of tiger and dragon stands for the acts image.In addition, You Cant Take it with You浮生若梦,Prelude to a Kiss一吻倾情,Entrapment偷天陷阱. All of the translating titles reflect the differences between two cultures in translating process and the character of four letter phr

42、ases.2) One letter phraseSome of the English films title is only one word. The translator should understand the theme of the film and use some methods to explain in the process of translation. Ghost is a good example. this film is a classical film in Hollywood blockbuster, if translator translates G

43、host into鬼, Chinese audience will think it is a horror film. When audience read the word “鬼”, they often associate it with terrible and horrific ghost, but in the film, ghost is an honest and handsome man. So the title of the film is人鬼情未了, it products the romantic, mysterious and bleak mood, and sho

44、ws the commercial and artistic charm. The translating title is not only embodying the original information, but also the beauty to audience.4. Commercial valueFilm is a comprehensive art, it includes culture, commerce and so on. Translator should think about the commercial facts when they translate

45、films title.In order to realize the commercial value, translator should hold the characters of target language and flavor of appreciation and product the pleased novel title, and then inspire the audience to enjoy the film. On the other hand, the translator may emphasize the novelty of the title, pr

46、oduct the suspense, embroider the mood. For example, Sister Act, The Terminator, The Others were translated into 修女也疯狂, 魔鬼终结者, 小岛进惊魂. All of the titles are novel and unique, embody the comprehensive of the art and commerce, and improve the benefit of the box office.In order to accomplish this purpos

47、e, commercial value incarnates the bravery and innovation in the translating process. Translator should pay more attention to avoiding immoderacy and worldliness; they cant blindly seek the benefit of the office box. For example, The Truth about Cats and Dogs was translated into猫屎先生. All of the tran

48、slating titles are irrelevant to the original titles and contents, affect the films impact. The vulgar translation is bad for the box office; produce the negative effective in commercial value.VI. Some Approaches of Translation for Translating Films TitlesThere are so many different ways of translat

49、ion in the aspects of translating titles of films.1. The literal translation Many Chinese translators are acknowledged some approaches of translation; the literal translation approaches are the most important and most common translation method. As long as the original meaning is not impaired, it is

50、essential to give priority to literal translation, which is conductive to keep either the content and basic structure or form of the original.The literal translation is the common method. We should translate the name of the film more lively when it is accord with the plot, the content of the film. f

51、or example; the film Snow White and Seven Dwarfs is translated into白雪公主与七个小矮人. All Quiet On the Waterfronts is translated into 西线无战事, Dances with Wolves is translated into 与狼共舞. But such films are very limited. So it is very necessary for us to use the literal translation plus transliteration method

52、s. For the name can get equality on the main spirit, the fact and the atmosphere of the film. For example: the film Ghost is translated into 人鬼情未了” Pirates of Sillicon Valley is translated into 硅谷传奇, and the film The Living Daylight is translated into黎明生机2. TransliterationTransliteration means trans

53、lating the sound of the original language into the sound of the meaning language. Transliteration keeps the rhythm of the original titles, attract the notice of audience Liberal translation or free translation means that giving up the original image or vehicle and making effort to find an appropriat

54、e way to express the intended meaning of the original.Now a lot of the name of the film contains rich culture connotation. The literal translation method can not reflect the marrow of the film, so the translators should understand and analysis the content, the style and plot of the film, so they can

55、 process the name of the film more creatively, and such a name can reflect the character of the film. There are a lot of outstanding translated name of the film. There are several examples as follows such as The Best Year of Our Lives is translated into黄金时代, Singing in the Rain is translated into 万花

56、嬉春,雨中曲. Rebel without a Cause is translated into 善子不孝谁之过,阿飞正传. Lawrence of Arabia沙漠枭雄. Its a Wonderful Life is translated into风云人物. Its not Me, Its Him is translated into冒名顶替. Big Bully is translated into冤家路窄. 3. Free translation Free translation according to the meaning of the original, without pay

57、ing attention to the details and translation would also be fluent and natural. Free translation need not pay attention to the form of the original, including construction of the original sentences, meaning of the original works, and metaphor of the original and so on. But free translation does not m

58、ean to delete or add content to the original and translators must consider the original carefully, know its stress, translate it naturally, and express the meaning of the original. Free translation is a skill which translators must know the culture of both source language and target language, and mu

59、st have extensive knowledge.There are a lot of films use the name of the people and the place as the name of the film. If there is no influence on our understanding, we can translate it by transliteration for example: the film Rockey we can translated into洛基. Casablaca can be translated into 卡萨布兰卡.

60、But there are a few films use the free translation methods. For there are few audience in China know the foreign name of the people and the place. So if we use transliteration plus free translation method, we can get a satisfied result. For example the film Patton is translated into巴顿将军. Forrest Gump is translated into阿甘正传. KingKong is translated into大金刚 the forth method is 另译 if it is hard to t