Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background of the Research-1

1.2 Purpose and Significance of the Research-1

1.3 Structure of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Previous Studies on Film Title Translation-3

2.2 Theoretical Frame-3

  2.2.1 About Skopos Theory-3

  2.2.2 Methods Used Often in Translation-5

Chapter Three Applications of Skopos Theory to Chinese Film Title Translation -7

3.1 About Film-7

  3.1.1 Brief Introduction to Film Genres and Film Titles-7

  3.1.2 The Functions of Film Title-7

3.2 Suggested Methods for C-E Translation of Film Titles Under Skopos Theory-8

  3.2.1 Transliteration-8

  3.2.2 Literal Translation-10

  3.2.3 Free Translation-11

  3.2.4 Combination of Different Methods of Translation-12

Chapter Four Conclusion-13

4.1 Major findings of the Thesis-13

4.2 Limitations of the Study-13

4.3 Suggestions for Further Research-13

References-15

Abstract

Translation of film title is of great importance. A wonderfully translated film title, which conforms to the aesthetic standards of target language audience, not only properly delivers the information of the film, but also facilitates the promotion of the film in overseas market for commercial profit. However, it has not been taken notice of the translation field and the researches on it are not sufficient yet.

Under the guidance of Skopos theory, this paper makes a study of the three functions of film titles first, and then discusses the effective translation methods by means of analyzing some existing translation cases in the hope of making C-E translation of film title more appealing and acceptable to foreign audience and publicizing Chinese culture as well.

Keywords:  Skopos theory  film title translation  translation methods