On Translation of Film Titles from the Perspective of Skopos Theory

程文烨

【Abstract】Recent years， with the impact of globalization on culture， an increasing number of English films were introduced into Chinese film market. It is necessary to translate films to meet the need of Chinese audience. Appropriate translation of film titles may attract the audience and even bring good box office earnings. In this regard， translation of film titles has become an important subject in Chinas translation circle. This paper mainly discusses translation of English film titles from the perspective of Skopos theory put forward by German translator Hans Vermeer and provides some translation strategies of English film titles and tries to find the appropriate method according to Skopos theory.

【Key words】Skopos theory； film titles； analysis； purpose； translation strategie

Ⅰ. Skopos Theory and its merits in Translation of Film Title

The term “Skopos” usually refers to translation purposes， which is put forward by Hans J. Vermeer（1970s）.In addition， Vermeer also used the related words “aim”“purpose” “intentions” and “function” at the first time. Compared with traditional theories which emphasize the source text and the author， Skopos theory pays more attention to purpose of translation， the translator， and the target text and target text addresses .

Compared to the traditional equivalence theory， Skopos theory could provide more freedom and creativity for translators and satisfy different audience as much as possible. To make these translated film titles more acceptable， translators must focus on the purpose of translation， the audiences intercultural state and target discourse.

Ⅱ. The Features of Film Titles

To some extent， films are usually regarded as a sort of literary work. In fact， they have their own stylistic features indeed. And the features of these films are basically vividness， brevity， popularity.

First of all， from the perspective of linguistics， film titles have to be simple， concise， and rich in meaning. Because audience always judge a film from its title and choose those they may interested in. For example， Home Alone， which tells a story that a little child fight against terrible guys without his parent at home. From its plot， it is clear that a child was so brave that he protected himself from hurting when being at home alone. The title Home Alone not only conveys its contents， but also attracts the audience step by step. Therefore， we can note that a successful film title must be simple， concise and vivid and all linguistic elements must be take into consideration.

Whats more ， as an important part of culture and carriers of culture， films titles bear far more cultural meanings than we have mentioned. Some films used original name of famous people and words and phrases as their titles. To some extent， for foreign audience， they can expand knowledge and broaden horizon more or less. Whats more， different audience can learn various local conditions and customs under guidance of film titles.

Ⅲ. Application of Skopos Theory to Film title Translation

Literal translation is a common translation method. This method turned out to be simple， flexible and effective when film titles reflect exactly in original contents. Some film titles can even be translated word-for-word. For example， Schindlers List is translated literally as“辛德勒的名单”，Pride and prejudice“傲慢与偏见”，the Brave Heart“勇敢的心”. These titles are translated loyally to the original while keeping it original taste and flavor.

Considering cultural differences to translate film titles， translators should focus on culture elements to attract the audience. According to Skopos theory， translators should take cultures into consideration to make the audience of target language enjoy the movie， and make sure the loyalty and fidelity of translation can be achieved. For example， film “Seven” is translated as“七宗罪”instead of “七”，“seven” in the film refers to seven original sins of Bible， therefore ，the translation of“七宗罪”reflects loyally the key idea the film tend to show the audience.

Based on the brief introduction of Skopos theory and some strategies of translation of film titles， this paper shows that the translation of film titles is of vital importance. Meanwhile， translators need to be more creative and initiative by analyzing different purposes and make a corresponding adjustment in the translation process.

References：

[1]Nida.E.A.Language，Culture and Translating[J].Shanghai：Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press，2001.

[2]Vermeer.HansJ.Skopos and Translation[J].Heidelberg University，Second edition，1989.

[3]贺莺.电影片名的翻译理论和方法[J].外语教学，2001