Abstract:  Based on the Skopos theory the paper studies the characteristics of cosmetic brand names, and translation methods. Summarizing the naming characteristics and rules of a series of brand names, the paper proposes four translation methods: transliteration, literal translation, free translation and non-translation. Since the cosmetic brand names are often named after their founders or producing places, transliteration becomes the most popular method in order to make it concise and easy to remember. Because of the cultural differences and functionality plus loyalty in Skopos theory, free translation is the second major method, which can fully fix the cultural differences. While literal translation and non-translation are used in a very limited way, they are seldom employed in cosmetic brand name translation.

Key words: Skopos Theory; Cosmetic Brand Name; Translation

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要：

1.Introduction1

1.1 Characteristics and Functions of Brand Names

1.2 Literature Review

2. Brief Introduction of Skopos Thoery2

2.1 Development of Skopos Theory

2.2 Basic Rules of Skopos Theory

3. Naming Characteristics and Sample Analysis4

3.1 Naming Characteristics

3.2 Sample Analysis 

4. Four main Translation Methods8

4.1 Transliteration

4.2 Literal Translation

4.3 Free Translation

4.4 Non-translation

5. Conclusions11

Bibliography...13

List of Cosmetic Brand Names Used in This Paper14

Acknowledgments..17