Abstract

With the development of economic globalization and the increasing commercial activities, business English becomes more and more prominent. Business English correspondence is of great importance for its communicative function. So the study on the business English correspondence translation is also increasing. Business English is a special linguistic phenomenon in English. Business English is very practical. Therefore the translation with the guidance of traditional theories has some drawbacks. It is necessary for us to do more deep and systematic research on the business English correspondence translation. Nida’s functional equivalence says that different languages have different expression habits, but they have the same or similar functions. It emphasizes that the information between source language and target language should be equivalent. Functional equivalence theory plays a basic and decisive role in complex and multiple need of business English correspondence translation. Therefore, it’s important to learn the application and guidance of functional equivalence in business English translation.

 Key words: Business correspondence, translation, functional equivalence

Contents

Abstract

摘要

 1 Introduction-1

1.1 Background-1

1.2 Significance of the Study-1

1.3 Overall structure of the study-2

2 Literature review-2

2.1 Equivalence in Previous Translation Studies-2

2.1.1 Wilss’ Definition of Equivalence-2

2.1.2 Newmark’s Dichotomy-3

2.2 Nida’s Functional Equivalence-3

3 A Survey of Business English Correspondence-4

3.1Lexical Characteristics-4

3.1. 1 Word Accuracy-4

3.1.2 The Use of Business Terms-4

3.1.3 Extensive Use of Semi-professional Business English Vocabulary-5

3.1.4 The Use of Archaisms-5

3.2 Sentence Characteristic-5

3.3 Text Characteristic-6

4 A Brief Introduction to Functional Equivalence Theory-7

4. 1 Lexical Equivalence-7

4.2 Sentence Equivalence-8

4. 3 Passage Equivalence-8

4.4 Style Equivalence-9

5 The Application of Functional Equivalence Theory in Business Correspondence Translation-9

5.1 The Principles of Business Correspondence Translation Guided by Functional Equivalence Theory-9

5.1.1Fidelity-9

5.1.2 Smoothness-11

5.1.3 Politeness-11

5.2 Common Methods of Translation-12

5.2.1 Foreignizing Translation-12

5.2.2 Domesticating Translation-13

5.2.3 Structure-borrowing Translation-13

6 Conclusion-14

References-15