Search

A Comparative Study of Two Chinese Versions of Animal Farm from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory

Author(s)

Yuanjing Liu, Xinxiang Lin

Affiliation(s)

School of Foreign Languages, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan, China

Abstract

This study conducts a comparative analysis of lexical conveyance and semantic expression in Rong Rude’s and Chen Chao’s Chinese translations of George Orwell’s Animal Farm through the lens of Functional Equivalence Theory. The research begins by introducing Animal Farm and its two Chinese translations, followed by an in-depth exploration of the concepts of lexical conveyance and semantic expression. Guided by Functional Equivalence Theory, the study systematically examines the differences between the two translations in terms of lexical choices and semantic interpretation, highlighting how functional equivalence influences textual expression and reader reception. The comparative analysis reveals that while the two translations exhibit notable divergences in semantic accuracy and cultural adaptability due to distinct translation strategies, both strive to preserve the original style and intent of the text, resulting in commendable renditions. The study concludes with implications for translation practice, emphasizing the need for translators to balance fidelity to the source text with consideration for target readers’ expectations and cultural contexts to achieve optimal translation outcomes. This research not only provides an empirical case study for translation studies but also offers theoretical and practical guidance for future literary translation endeavors.

Keywords

Comparative Study; Animal Farm; Functional Equivalence Theory; Semantic Conveyance

References

[1] Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Trans. Rong Rude. Shanghai: Shanghai Translation Publishing House, 2014. [2] Ran, Yongping & He, Ziran (Eds.). Pragmatics and Cognition: Studies in Relevance Theory. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 2001. [3] Ou, Dan. Analysis of the English translation of Fortress Besieged from the perspective of ostensive-inferential model in relevance theory. Journal of Yibin University, 2008. [4] You, Yuxiang. Relevance theory and the paradigm evolution of contextual studies. Journal of Ningbo University, 2011. [5] Chen, Ping. Explanatory power of relevance theory on lexical means and authorial intention. Journal of Fujian Medical University (Social Science Edition), 2003(1): 45-49. [6] Hu, Zhuanglin. A Course in Linguistics. Beijing: Peking University Press, 2006: 125-126. [7] Leech, Geoffrey. Semantics. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, 1987. [8] Nida, E. A. Language and Culture: Contexts in Translation. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, 2001. [9] Xiong, Demi. Review of Nida’s translation theory. Journal of Chongqing University (Social Science Edition), 2001(4): 85-89. [10] Zhang, Meifang & Qian, Hong. The concept of function in translation studies. Chinese Translators Journal, 2007(3): 10-16+93. [11] Fang, Kairui. Dynamic equivalence theory and its application in literary translation. Foreign Language Education, 1998(4): 44-48+77. [12] Huang, Yuanpeng. Revisiting functional equivalence in Nida’s translation theory. Journal of Xi’an International Studies University, 2010(4): 101-104. [13] Wang, Hua. Guiding role of Nida’s functional equivalence theory in translation practice. Journal of Literature and Language (Foreign Language Education and Teaching), 2010(7): 70-71+105. [14] Tan, Zaixi. Nida and his translation theory. Journal of Foreign Languages, 1989(5): 30-37+51. [15] Zhao, Dandan. A brief discussion on Nida’s functional equivalence theory. Literature Education (Mid), 2011(3): 54-55. [16] Wang, Linhai & Shi, Yanting. Application of functional equivalence theory in literary translation: A case study of The Narrative Art of Modern Saudi Arabian Literature. Foreign Language and Literature, 2014(4): 123-126. [17] Liang, Zhibiao. On the allegorical nature of animals in Animal Farm. Literature Education (Mid), 2011(11): 127-128. [18] Zhang, Xudong & Zhang, Dongyu. Translators’ pursuit from the perspective of Nida’s equivalence theory. Journal of Northeast Normal University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 2009(1): 101-103.