从目的论角度分析中文景点名称的翻译

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题目（中文）： 从目的论角度分析中文景点名称

的翻译

（英文）： Analysis of Translation of Chinese Scenic Spots Names from the Perspective of Skopos Theory

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Analysis of Translation of Chinese Scenic Spots Names from the Perspective of Skopos Theory

内 容 摘 要

20世纪70年代，功能派翻译理论兴起于德国。功能派学者弗米尔和诺德提出了目的论，其指出翻译是以原文为基础的有目的和有结果的行为，翻译必须遵循一系列原则。目的论有三个重要的原则：目的原则，连贯原则和忠实原则，其中，目的原则居于首位。这些原则为中国旅游景点名称的翻译提供了充分的理论指导。

当前，跨境旅游日趋兴盛，大量的外国游客涌入中国。在阅读旅游资料时，景点名称是最先跃入眼帘的信息，能否抓住游客的眼球，第一印象非常重要。然而，目前的中文景点名称翻译存在诸多问题，如单一的音译或意译，拼写错误，忽略旅游背景信息而误译等。景点名称翻译存在的问题会给国外游客带来不便，阻碍旅游业的发展，所以必须立即改善其翻译的现状。

在目的论指导下，译者可以运用目的论三原则来指导翻译实践，准确地译出中文景点名称所蕴含的信息，从而向国外传播独特的中国文化。此外，从目的论角度分析景点名称翻译，运用相关的翻译方法，如直译、意译、音译加解释、词语美化和信息删减法，能解决当前景名翻译存在的一些问题，增强旅游译文的可读性，最终达到沟通交流的目的。这样不仅能让外国游客了解中国的旅游景点，品味其独特的文化魅力，还能更好地促进中国旅游业国际化的发展，为中国经济增添活力。

关键词：中文景点名称翻译；目的论；翻译原则；翻译方法

Abstract

In 1970s, functionalist translation theory arose in Germany. Functional scholars Vermeer and Nord proposed the Skopos Theory, which pointed out that translation has its own purpose and result based on the original text and should follow a set of rules. There are three important rules: purpose rule, coherence rule and fidelity rule, but the purpose rule is the most significant. All of these rules provide sufficient theoretical guidance for translation of Chinese scenic spots names.

Nowadays, cross-border tourism is increasingly flourishing and a large number of foreign tourists are crowding into China. When foreign tourists read tourist information, the first information jumps into their eyes is the scenic spot name. Therefore, the first impression is very important in order to catch the attention of visitors. However, the current translation of Chinese scenic spots names has many problems, such as single transliteration or onefold free translation, spelling errors, mistranslation due to the neglect of tourism background information, and so on. The problems existing in translation would confuse foreign visitors and hinder development of tourism industry, so the current situation of the translation must be improved soon.

Under the guidance of Skopos Theory, the translator can apply its three rules to guide the translation practice and accurately translate the information in Chinese scenic spots names so as to spread the unique and charming Chinese culture to foreigners. And through the analysis of scenic spots names from the perspective of Skopos Theory, the relevant translation methods, such as literal translation, free translation, transliteration plus explanation, word embellishment and cancellation of excessive information can be implemented to address current problems in translation of sites names so as to enhance the readability of tourist translation and ultimately to achieve the purpose of communication and exchange. It will not only allow foreigners to understand China’s tourist attractions and taste its unique cultural charm, but also to better promote the international development of China’s tourism industry and augment new vigor to economy growth.

Key Words：translation of Chinese scenic spots names; Skopos Theory; translation rules; translation methods

Contents

Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 5 1. Notions of Skopos Theory ............................................................................................... .8

1.1 The Development of Skopos Theory ........................................................................ 9 1.2 Three Basic Rules of Skopos Theory ...................................................................... 11 2. Overview of Translation of Chinese Scenic Spots Names ........................................... 12

2.1 Current Problems in Translation of Chinese Scenic Spots Names ......................... 12 2.2 Causes of Existing Problems in Translation of Chinese Scenic Spots Names........ 15 3. Application of Skopos Theory in Translation of Chinese Scenic Spots Names ........ 17

3.1 Three Basic Rules of Skopos Theory in Translation of Scenic Spots Names ......... 18

3.1.1 Purpose Rule ................................................................................................. 18 3.1.2 Coherence Rule ............................................................................................. 21 3.1.3 Fidelity Rule .................................................................................................. 23 3.2 Translation Methods of Scenic Names under Guidance of Skopos Theory............ 25

3.2.1 Literal Translation for Keeping Content and Structure of Original Text ...... 26 3.2.2 Free Translation for Remaining Meaning and Spirit of Original Text .......... 28 3.2.3 Transliteration plus Explanation for Extension of Chinese Culture ............. 31 3.2.4 Word Embellishment for Idyllic Scenic Spots Names .................................. 33 3.2.5 Cancellation of Excessive Information of Translation .................................. 35

Conclusion........................................................................................................................... 38 Notes .................................................................................................................................... 40 References ........................................................................................................................... 41

Introduction

In 1970s, functionalist translation theory arose in Germany. Functional scholars Vermeer and Nord proposed the Skopos Theory, which has freed translation studies from the bondage of original text. According to Skopos Theory, translation has its own purpose and result based on the original text and should follow a set of rules. There are three important rules: purpose rule, coherent rule and fidelity rule, but the purpose rule is the most significant and the purpose of translation determines the translation strategies and methods.[1] Skopos Theory has been introduced into China since 1987, the relevant research is involved in translation teaching, literary translation, tourism translation, business translation and in other fields. In 1997, Chinese scholar Xue Siliang introduced the Skopos Theory of translation in academic journals to make Chinese readers understand the theory and its importance in translation. In 2004, Jia Wenbo pointed out that the term “Skopos Theory” itself means “the purpose of target text”. From his viewpoint, translator can combine communicative function of translation and social background of target readers to determine the specific translation approach of target language.[2]

With the rapid development of tourism, scholars both at home and abroad pay more and more attention to translation of scenic spots names and the relevant academic works also emerge endlessly. In 1996, Graham M.S.

Dann first analyzed the tourism language and tourist text from sociolinguistic perspective in his book The Language of Tourism: A Sociolinguistic Perspective and indicated that tourism language and its translation were used to attract more potential tourists.[3] Then in 1998, Peter Newmark classified translational text into three types in his book A Text Book of Translation, namely expressive text, informative text and vocative text.[4] Tourism translation belongs to vocative text and includes introduction of names and background of tourist attractions, advertisement of tourism, and tourist signs, etc. In 2002, Erik Castello analyzed the language structure of travel brochures, travel magazines, tourist websites and tour-guide in his book Tourist-information Text: A Corpus-based Study of Four Related Genre, and carried out a comparative study.

While in China Lai Shaohua pointed out in “Translation of Culture in Tourism Materials” that the readers’ background should be given the priority in translation of tourism materials and original information should be kept in translation to a large extent. Jia Xiuhai said in “Translation Skills of Terminology in Cultural Scenic Spots” that the translation of tourist attraction names should not simply adopt transliteration, which is lack of novelty and of introduction about tourism culture. And he suggested that relevant information should be consulted before translation and the ways of literal translation, free translation and transliteration plus explanation can be used to improve translation of scenic spots names.[5] Besides, Chen Gang expressed in

his book Tourism Translation and Guide-Interpreting Studies that tourism translation is a professional practice for tourism activities and tourism industry. The translation of scenic spots names and materials is a complex, cross-language and cross- society activity, which is more outstanding and comprehensive than other translations.[6]

But for now, present translation of scenic spots names in China is unsatisfying and disappointing. There are often three or four translation versions of the same tourist attraction, which makes foreigners uneasy to comprehend, besides, the translator just adopts single transliteration or free translation while ignoring the background information behind the scenic name, which is hard to embody the unique charm of scenic spots. All these problems in translation should be immediately addressed. Scholars at home and abroad have a more in-depth discussion about Skopos Theory, which emphasizes that the purpose of translation determines the whole process of translation and the results determine translational methods. While the purpose of translation of scenic spots names is to precisely and cleverly transmit tourist information and attract foreign tourists, and the purpose determines that translation activities should regard it as the starting point and destination. Therefore, the combination of Skopos Theory and tourism translation is a perfect match.

With Skopos Theory as the theoretical guidance, the deficiency of translation of scenic spots names can be lessened and a lot of troubles caused by the language differences can be removed. Besides, to interpret the

translation of scenic spots names from the perspective of Skopos Theory will not only allow foreigners to understand China’s tourist attractions and taste its unique cultural charm, but also to better promote Chinese tourism, especially its international development. The coupling of Skopos Theory and translation of scenic spots names can effectively solve the current problems existing in translation, enhance the translation’s readability and reader’s acceptance, offer a new guideline for tourism translation teaching and showcase China’s tour-industry to other parts of the world at same time.

1. Notions of Skopos Theory

Skopos Theory was first put forward by Vermeer, who tried to liberate the translation from the confinement of source text and aimed to explain the translation activity from the viewpoint of target language. “Skopos” means purpose or intention in Greek. The core concept of Skopos Theory is that the purpose of the whole translation determines the process of translation. In the frame of Vermeer’s Skopos Theory, the audience is the most important factor to shape the translation purpose. They have their own cultural background and their own demand and expectation for translation. Therefore each translation directs at a certain audience and it is generated with a particular purpose. Vermeer once said that any action has an aim, a purpose and the word “Skopos” is a technical term for the aim or purpose of a translation. And an

action leads to a result, a new situation or event.[7] In other words, each text is produced for a given purpose and should serve this purpose.

1.1 The Development of Skopos Theory

Since Skopos Theory didn’t come out within a short time, a brief introduction of early functionalist views is needed so as to outline the whole situation. There are four people who have devoted much to the development of modern functionalism in translation studies, and they are Katharina Reiss, Hans Vermeer, Justa Holz-Manttari and Christina Nord.

Katharina Reiss first introduced the functional category into translation criticism and connected language function, text type with translation strategy. Her book Possibilities and Limits of Translation Criticism may be perceived as the starting point for the scholarly analysis of translation in Germany. On the basis of equivalence, Reiss developed translation criticism on the relationship between the source and target texts. As she said that ideal translation would be one in which the aim in the target language is equivalence as regards the conceptual content, linguistic form and communicative function of a source- language text.[8] According to Reiss, translation methods have connection with the particular target audience, special purpose intended for the translation and the type of text. Her viewpoints offer a beacon for the following people.

Later, Hans Vermeer, one of Reiss’s students, founded Skopos Theory on the foundation of Reiss’s viewpoint and had gone further in trying to bridge the gap between theory and practice. He regarded the translation as a kind of behavior full of intention and purpose and tried to liberate the translation from the confinement of the source text. Translation should follow a series of rules, of which the purpose rule is in the first place. That is to say, translation depends on its purpose, and the translator should adopt corresponding translation strategies according to different purposes and should decide what can be remained and what needs to be adjusted or modified. According to Vermeer’s remarks, each translation is directed at an intended audience, since to translate means to produce a text in a target setting for a target purpose and target addressees in target circumstances.[9]

Then, Justa Holz-Manttari drew on the communicative and behavioral theory and came up with theory of translation action so as to further develop the functionalist translation theory. In her theory, translation is defined as “a complex action designed to achieve a particular purpose.”[10] The generic term for this phenomenon is “translational action”, whose purpose is to transfer messages across language and culture barriers by means of message transmitters produced by experts in order to coordinate communicative and actional cooperation. The theory and Vermeer’s theory have a lot in common, and later Vermeer integrated the two theories.

Subsequently, Christina Nord comprehensively summarized and combed

functionalist theories, and suggested that translators should follow the model of “functionality-plus-loyalty”, which perfected the Skopos Theory. That’s the growth of Skopos Theory.

1.2 Three Basic Rules of Skopos Theory

From Skopos Theory, translation should follow a series of rules, namely the purpose rule, coherence rule and fidelity rule. Among them, purpose rule is in the first place and purpose of translation determines the translation strategies and methods.[11]

Purpose rule can be divided into three categories: the basic purpose of translator (such as earning a living), the communication purpose of translation (such as enlightening readers), and the use of a particular translation means to achieve the purpose (such as using literal translation).[12] But generally speaking, “purpose” refers to the communicative purpose of translation, namely “the translation has a communicative function on target readers in target social and cultural context”.

Coherence rule refers that translation should meet the coherent standard, which is readable and acceptable to readers and can make them understand the culture and context of target language.[13] Translation is successful only when people think that translational information conforms to their environment and background.

Fidelity rule deals with the link between translation and original text, that is to say the translation should be faithful to original text. Besides, fidelity rule chiefly focuses on the relationship between translator and original author, customer and receiver. In a word, the three rules constitute the basic aspects of Skopos Theory, and coherence rule and fidelity rule must obey the purpose rule.

2. Overview of Translation of Chinese Scenic Spots Names

Scenic spots names, as an indispensable and special part of tourism materials, aim at attracting potential tourists to pay a visit and diffusing tourist information to others. While for foreign visitors, the first information about China’s scenery is the translation of scenic spots names, which contains the unique and distinctive charm and rich culture of China. The successful and outstanding translation of scenic spots names can brilliantly show characters of China’s tourist attractions to foreigners and stimulate their infinite desire to visit the attractions. Besides, it can further promote the international development of China’s tourism industry and add vitality to the development of national economy. However, there are still numerous problems in translation of scenic spots names in China.

2.1 Current Problems in Translation of Chinese Scenic Spots Names

Now, the current translation of scenic spots names in China is far from satisfactory and plenty of problems can be detected in translation, which hinders the promotion of Chinese history, famous mountains and great rivers, and rich culture to foreign tourists. And the problems in translation have been analyzed and listed as follows.

Firstly, multi-versions of the same attraction name. People frequently perceive that a proper name tends to have several translational versions and the same travel place may be translated in a wide variety of names in different tourist books, maps or brochure, and other public materials as well. It may confuse or mislead the understanding of foreigners and lead them to think whether the translated names refer to the same place or other places, which would affect the effectiveness of advocating scenic spots. Meanwhile, it could damp the whole image of the scenic spot.

Numerous beautiful parks could be discovered in Guangxi Province where they have no uniformed names in translation. For example,“鱼峰公园”has four renderings like Standing Fish Park, Standing-fish Hill Park, Yufeng Park and Yufeng Scenery District.“鹅山公园”has three translation editions such as: E Shan Park, Ershan Hill Park and Ershan Youth Park. The same problem can be picked out in“雨花石博物馆”without a standard translation version. It has been translated as Rain Flower Stone Museum in guide map, as Yuhua Pebbles Museum in statues and as Rain Flower Pebbles Museum in

tourist signs. All the three versions refer to the same museum, but different versions may bewilder overseas tourists.

Secondly, spelling errors can be beheld in multiple tourist spots when you make an attempt to go on a trip. Though quite obvious and striking, those errors have no connection with translators’ ability and competence but with their or printers’ carelessness and perfunctoriness, which can be removed and addressed in time. Examples are as follows: the Chinese name of “古五松园” is carved as Garden of Ancient Five Pine Tress near entrance, which should be corrected as Garden of Ancient Five Pine Trees. “圆沙城门遗址” in northwest part of China is labeled as Gate of Yuansh Sites, where Yuansh should be rectified as Yuansha. Another sample is “儿童游乐场” in Changsha, whose translation is Children’ Amusement Pavr and we all know that the Pavr needs to be changed into the correct word Park.

Thirdly, the ignorance of the cultural information. Plenty difficulties occur in translation process due to the cultural differences between China and foreign countries. A large amount of translators are accustomed to translate scenic spots names within Chinese mindset and expression. A translator who ignores target readers’ background information is very likely to generate insufficient versions or neglect essential elements．If only translating the scenic spots names from the literal meaning without concerning background information and cultural contents, translator may lead to a wrong way.“寒山寺” is a famous tourist spot in Jiangsu Province, which is simply translated

into Cold Mountain Temple. Actually speaking, “寒山”isn’t the name of a mountain, but the name of a monk. So the name of this temple should be explained as Hanshan Temple. Let’s take another example, located in the West Lake,“三老石室”is misunderstood as Three Old Men by local tour-guide, while “三老” refers to three venerables who are famous for the art of seal-engraving. Combining the background information of this tourist spot, it should be translated as the Stone Chamber of Three Venerables.

In addition, misunderstanding of tourist spots and misuse of translation methods can also contribute to problematic translation. Beyond doubt, existing problems in translation of scenic spots names could twist the information in tourist spots and the quality of translation would influence the potential foreign tourists. Therefore, in order to play an irreplaceable and significant role of scenic spots names in China and to advocate Chinese culture and traditions to other parts of the world, it is transparent and urgent to improve the present situation of translation of scenic spots names and much more attentions should be paid into this field. Fortunately, the causes of those problematic translation will be analyzed in next part.

2.2 Causes of Existing Problems in Translation of Chinese Scenic Spots Names

The causes of present situation in translation of scenic spots names are

complicated and various, and are not aroused just by one person or community. There are mainly 3 causes of the above translation problems.

In the first place, the administrative authorities haven’t paid much attention to the supervision in process of translation. The multi-versions of the same scenic spot will cause confusion to foreign tourists who may think multi-translations refer to different places in China, and the error spellings of English words could also cloud tourists and damage image of scenery. Problematic translations caused by nonchalance or irresponsibility of administrative authorities can be adapted and corrected soon if attached importance during the course of translation.

In the second place, the producer of tourist brochures and signs knows nothing about English or has no idea of inviting a professional translator to design the English name of tourist spots so as to reduce the cost. Besides, the producer may think that there is no necessary to proofread the translational version of tourist spots names because Chinese travelers won’t give a glimpse at it and the foreigners can just guess its meaning or experience the attractions by themselves.

In the third place, many natural and cultural terms unique in China’s tourist spots pose a great difficulty for translators in translation. The translator may treat the name with natural and cultural terms in their own ways, whose translation may be considered as insufficiency and deficiency and cannot fully express the cultural connotation of the original text. What’s more, the

foreigners can’t seize the useful and helpful information they need to enjoy the whole scenic spots.

From above analysis of problems in translation of scenic spots names, the current mistakes can be cleared out and avoided because they mainly occur due to the translator’s negligence and incapability and manager’s carelessness. Relatively speaking, the problematic translation seriously or senselessly breaches the three rules of Skopos Theory, namely the purpose rule, coherence rule, and fidelity rule in translation and a comprehensive implementation of these rules can cast the problems in translation away.

3. Application of Skopos Theory in Translation of Chinese Scenic Spots Names

Vermeer argued that any form of translation, including translation itself, can be regarded as a form of behavior and any behavior has a given goal or purpose. Translation of scenic spots names belongs to the translation of practical writings, which has a real purpose. In general, the purpose of translation of scenic spots names mainly involves three aspects: first, let tourists know related situation of scenic attractions through the translation, such as cultural background, historical origin and so on; second, arouse the curiosity of foreign tourists through the description of attractions and engage them to have a trip; third, motivate tourists emotion through vivid text.

Therefore, it’s easy to find that Skopos Theory is important and significant in guiding the practical translation of scenic spots names.

3.1 Three Basic Rules of Skopos Theory in Translation of Scenic Spots Names

Vermeer brought forward that translation is full of purpose and intention, and is viewed as cross-cultural transfer and communicational action. Hence, Vermeer provided Skopos Theory to usher translation practice and said quality of translation isn’t determined by the source texts, but by the purpose of translation, that is “the end justifies the means”.[14] However, this newly invented theory has triggered criticism from scholars who support equivalence theory and believe that Skopos Theory excessively emphasizes on purpose of translation, which should be faithful to the source text. Faced with these doubts, Vermeer and other representatives of functionalism put forward three rules of Skopos Theory: the purpose rule, the coherence rule and the fidelity rule. It is apparent that the purpose of translation of tourist attractions names is to engage foreigners to visit that place, so the application of three rules in translation can be a good way to develop the particular function of scenic spot names.

3.1.1 Purpose Rule

The purpose rule, among the top in Skopos Theory, is to help translators realize the function of translation. Purpose rule deals with that each text is produced for a given purpose and should serve this purpose. Therefore, the purpose rule reads as follows, “translate in a way that enables your translation to function in the situation in which it is used and with the people who want to use it and precisely in the way they want it to function.”[15] That is to say, the purpose is related with the client who needs a text for a particular purpose and calls upon the translator for a translation, and the translator should be able to justify their choice of a particular purpose in a given translational situation.

This rule is intended to solve the eternal dilemmas of free vs faithful translation, dynamic vs formal equivalence, good interpreters vs slavish translators, and so on. It means that the purpose of a particular translation task may require a free or faithful translation, depending on the purpose for which the translation is needed.

As a decision-maker, the translator should know that a particular purpose is the most important for him in translational process. And the purpose rule gives the translator a new perspective in translation of scenic spots names and a new guideline to decide which strategy will be employed in the whole process of translation, so as to realize the purpose of providing appealing information and attracting tourists.

Example: “杜甫草堂” is written in English as Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage,

which is the poet-and-historian Du Fu’s former residence where he with his family lived there to flee from political rebellions. This travel-site is noted for its beautiful scenery, solemnity and elegance.

From its English name, foreigners could acquire the basic information about the tourist spot and feel curious about the origin and history of this cottage in China and then would attempt to visit the scene and learn about the amazing stories of Du Fu. Therefore, the English version of “杜甫草堂”as Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage, instead of Du Fu’s Residence, fulfills the purpose of offering useful information about the shape and style of this tourist spot and attracting foreign visitors, which conforms to the purpose rule.

Example:“十里荷花”is translated into multiple versions, such as Ten-li Lotus Flowers, Ten Li of Lotus Flowers, Ten Kilometers of Lotus Flowers. All these translations are lack of novelty and creation and are awkward to explain “十里” into ten li or ten kilometers, which could make foreign tourists feel bored and tired. However, it would catch visitors’ attention when the version is changed into Lotus in Bloom for Miles and Miles, which is more appealing and attracting than the previous translations. It could stimulate foreign tourists to imagine the gorgeous views of lotus in bloom and to pay a nice visit there, which, of course, complies with the purpose rule in translation of scenic spots names.

From above analysis, we know that the purpose in tourism translation determines which translated text is more proper and which one is

inappropriate for the development of tourist industry, which manifests purpose rule that the end justifies the means. With the purpose rule as a guidance in translation of scenic spots names, there also needs coherence rule to make translation more readable and acceptable for potential foreign visitors.

3.1.2 Coherence Rule

Generally speaking, the translation not only conforms to purpose rule, but also complies with coherence rule. The coherence rule is also labeled as intratextual coherence, namely the coherence in language. What the translator can do and should do is to produce a text that is at least likely to be meaningful to target-culture receivers. In Vermeer’s terms, the target text should conform to the standard of intratextual coherence, which means that the receiver should be able to understand it.[16] The coherence rule specifies that a translation should be acceptable and readable in a sense that it is coherent with receivers’ situation.

Scenic spots names mainly give the critical information and persuade tourists to pay a visit there, and disseminate domestic culture to people from other nations. While translators hardly consider the culture or circumstances in the process of translation, almost, they just use word-for-word method to translate the source text. Thus, the translated texts fail to be acceptable and

readable and the translation could not realize the coherence in language. We can learn the translation of scenic-spots under the guidance of coherence rule with examples.

Example: “望江亭”was once translated as Pavilion for Overlooking the River, which is redundant and superfluous and isn’t widely acceptable for foreign tourists. But nowadays it has been marked with a new English name as Riverview Pavilion, which is much more coherent and acceptable for visitors abroad. Later,“望湖饭店”also adopts the way to interpret its name into Lakeview Hotel.

Example: “吴山天风”and “玉皇飞云”are two new well-known scenic spots in Hangzhou with numerous mountains winded up and down, whose English translations once were “Heavenly Wind in Wu Mountain” and “Flying Clouds in Yuhuang Hill” respectively. While the preposition word “in” cannot embody the strength and power of wind in Wu Mountain and cannot reflect the flimsy and misty scenery in Yuhuang Hill, and foreign tourists may not accept such translation and can hardly picture the majestic scenery in their mind. However, another English version can well show the charm and beauty of the two scenic spots to tourists, namely “Heavenly Wind over Wu Hill” and “Clouds Scurrying over Jade Emperor Hill”. The preposition “over” excellently expresses the grandiosity and magnificence of the two scenic spots and is more acceptable and readable for foreign people. Translation of the above scenic spots names exemplifies the coherence rule

brightly.

To sum up, the English version of scenic spot names is designed into short phrases with a clear structure and distinct logic, and has taken into full consideration the acceptability of target-language readers. That is to say, the understandable and readable translation version has perfectly realized coherence rule, which puts emphasis on that the translation should be in line with the standard of intra-textual coherence, be meaningful in the target-language culture and communicative context as well as be acceptable and readable to make receivers understand. Except for purpose rule and coherence rule, the last rule Vermeer put forward is the rule of fidelity.

3.1.3 Fidelity Rule

Since a translation is an offer of information about a preceding offer of information, it is expected to bear some kind of relationship with the corresponding source text. Vermeer called this relationship “intertextual coherence” or “fidelity”. Fidelity rule points that intertextual coherence should exist between source and target text, while the form it takes depends both on the translator’s interpretation of the source text and on the translation purpose.[17] In other words, the fidelity rule of Skopos Theory requires that the

faithfulness is determined by the interpretation of the source texts and translators could shift their ideas according to different situation.

There is no doubt that the target-text should be faithful to the source-text to some extent, so the fidelity rule states that there must be the coherence between translation and source text or more specifically, between: the source-text information; the translation that the translator creates; and the information that is encoded for the target-text receivers. Two examples as follows to explain:

Example: “黄龙” is a national 5A scenic spot in southwest China with its English version as Huanglong Valley, which is remarkable for its Karst landscapes. It is said that the entire scenery is a dwelling place for Queen Mother of Paradise. If“黄龙”is translated as Yellow Dragon Scenic Spot, it will violate the fidelity rule for dragon is a volatile and fierce animal in western culture and foreign visitors would be scared to step away from that tourist spot. In order to seek the understanding of target receivers and to be faithful to original attraction name, the translator has its name as Huanglong Valley, which makes us feel that we are in a wonderful and mysterious valley where we can play near waterfalls and enjoy the fantastic view of ponds. According to the fidelity rule of Skopos Theory, the translation in such a way could be accepted by receivers or foreign tourists and thus we could conclude that the degree of fidelity largely depends on translator’s understanding to the source text.

Example: “虎跑泉” is mistranslated as Tiger Running Spring in lots of tourist signs or brochures, and its translation is devoid of aesthetic taste and not faithful to tradition and custom in western countries. The translator has breached fidelity rule to treat“虎跑”as the running sport, while it has connection with tiger’s paws instead of running. The translation can be proofread as Tiger-pawed Spring so as to be faithful to original name.[18]

To sum it up, the fidelity rule is considered to be subordinate to the coherence rule, and both are subordinate to the purpose rule. In other words, the purpose of translation plays the leading role from the perspective of Skopos Theory. Through the above analysis of these examples, it is easy to find that the purpose of translation of scenic spots names is to disseminate absorbing information about the tourist sites for foreign tourists, to persuade tourists from other parts of the world to visit the tourist attractions, and to enrich local people’s revenues and lifestyle as well. With Skopos Theory and its three rules as guidance for translation of scenic spots names, the process of translation can be more smooth and the result can be more sparkling.

3.2 Translation Methods of Scenic Names under Guidance of Skopos Theory

According to Skopos Theory, it is the designed purpose of target text that determines translation methods. The translation of names of tourist spots is

successful if conformed to the purpose of target text, that is to say, a preeminent translation could achieve the intended purpose of the target text. Therefore, the translator can adopt various translation skills to maximize readability and social acceptability of target text on the foundation of three rules in Skopos Theory. Tourism translation is quite different from other types of translation for its distinct characteristics need a variety of special translation methods, while the Skopos Theory can offer considerable ways for translation of tourist spots names since it takes into account the specific text and translation purpose.

With the Skopos Theory as a direction in translation, the target text can be more admissible, legible and agreeable to foreigners. And in terms of Skopos Theory, what matters most in deciding translation methods is its purpose. And the relative five methods for translation of tourist spots names will be implemented in following parts so as to achieve the ultimate purpose of stimulating and persuading foreign visitors to pay a visit in China’s tourist spots and of booming tourism industry in China.

3.2.1 Literal Translation for Keeping Content and Structure of Original Text

As one of the translation methods, literal translation keeps both content and structure of the original text, takes the whole text into consideration in the

course of translation and will not violate the cultural conventions or language levels of source text. Literal translation obeys the purpose rule. Based on the analysis of the original text, the translator can choose the specific literal translation in accordance with translation purpose, so as to make the translated text accepted by target readers. Some scenic spots names will perfectly and fully reveal their beauty and charm when literally translated. To sum up, literal translation can be implemented to represent both the meaning and structure of the source language with following examples:

As the representative of Mount Huangshan,“迎客松” is like a hospitable host who waves his arms and warmly welcomes guests both from home and abroad. It is literally translated as The Greeting Pine because the word “greeting” can give foreign tourists more vivid and unforgettable impression. By literal translation, foreigners can have a better understanding of local people’s warmth and enthusiasm and then pay a nice visit there.

“断桥残雪” is famous scenic spot in China, whose literal versions are Snow on the Broken Bridge, Melting Snow on the Broken Bridge, and Remnant Snow on the Broken Bridge. All the translations keep the content and structure of the original text and the last one is much better. Though the Chinese character “断” isn’t nicely explained, it leaves a suspense and imaginary space for foreign tourists who may wonder at the “broken” bridge and surrounding snow and may pay a close visit there by themselves.

“三潭印月” is a beautiful scenic place in Hangzhou with elegant garden

circled. The literal translation as Three Pools Mirroring the Moon manifests that one can feast his or her eyes with the enchanting moonlight in the sky and in the pool, which directly presents tourists with the original flavor here. “象鼻山” has the English version as Elephant Trunk Hill. Foreigners would feel interesting and curious about the name for a mountain like elephant trunk is rare to be found, and later they would like to travel to observe that hill. The literal translation has successfully and vividly brought the tourist spot into foreigners’ mind.

The translation of other famous views in China can also reflect the implementation of this translation method: 幸福桥--Happy Bridge, 心字湖--Heart shaped Lake, 音乐喷泉--Music Fountain, 西湖--The West Lake, 孔雀园--Peacock Garden, 四姑娘山--The Four Girls Mountain, 丝绸之路--The Silk Road, 东方明珠--The Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Typically, the above examples have employed the literal translation where the information and structure of the source text retain unvaried. The translator adopts this translation method to keep the original content and structure so as to leave a wonderful impression to foreigners and capture their eyeballs as well.

3.2.2 Free Translation for Remaining Meaning and Spirit of Original Text

Free translation, known as sense-for-sense translation, is usually to

express general information of original text in translation and to make the translation easy and smooth. Free translation pays not much attention to the original form such as syntax, structure, language and other rhetorical devices, but with much attention to the meaning and spirit of original text.

Free translation is related to the coherence rule. And under the guidance of this rule, the translation should be equal to the original expression and appeal, and should achieve the corresponding goal. The advantage of free translation is obvious and visible, it can not only broadcast information of tourist attractions in foreigners’ style, but also make the tourist spots closer to foreign visitors.

“颐和园” is located in the northwest district of Beijing, fifteen kilometers from Beijing downtown. Covering an area of about 290 hectares, it is China’s largest and most complete imperial garden for Qing Dynasty emperors. If translated into Yihe Garden, it would be common and loss of the original meaning. While translated as Summer Palace, it manifests that the private garden is constructed for royal family and can only be enjoyed by them at ancient time. Now, the free translation of “颐和园” as Summer Palace can not only highlight the spirit and culture information of the garden, but also catch more attention from foreign tourists.

“滴翠亭” is one of the scenes in Grand View Garden and stands near the lake with corridors and bridges surrounded, whose free translation of The Dripping Emerald Pavilion has adequately kept the meaning and spirit of

original name, and is appealing and attracting to foreigners who want to relax themselves in such a tranquil and green place.

“柳浪闻莺” is a place where tourists can carefreely watch the willow dancing around the lake and pleasantly listen to orioles singing in the park. Thus its English version is narrated as Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows, which could make foreign tourists comfortable and agreeable to appreciate the pure nature world.

“锦绣谷”is located in Lushan mountain in Jiangxi province and formed with a steep valley due to glacier movement. It is famous for the gorgeous and charming scenery, while the previous translation as Jinxiu Valley can hardly reveal its beauty and charm to others, thus few foreigners would enjoy the landscape or have a good time there. Then, the method of free translation can be chosen to recreate “锦绣谷” as Valley of Splendor, which can exactly embody the spirit and unique character of this place to foreigners so as to attract them to pay a visit.

Here are more examples of free translation to preserve the meaning and spirit of original text: 慈光阁--The Mercy Light Temple, 沁芳亭--The Seeping Fragrance Pavilion, 四望山--Round Viewing Hill, 芦雪庭--The Reed Snow Cottage, 月牙泉--The Crescent Moon Spring, 黄河壶口瀑布--Hukou Waterfalls of Yellow River.

Free translation conveys meaning and spirit of original text at the cost of form or style of source language. Some scenic spots names are more

absorbing and attracting if freely translated and through free-style translation, translators are more independent and liberal to cope with the original information so as to capture much wider potential tourists.

3.2.3 Transliteration plus Explanation for Extension of Chinese Culture

Transliteration is to give an annotation with Chinese-Pinyin in translation process of tourist spots names, which is beneficial to realize the translation communication. To introduce the scenic spots and promote Chinese culture through Pinyin, the transliteration would be effective and acceptable under the circumstance. However, if there is no relevant English vocabulary for some attraction names in China, we could adopt transliteration and explanation to better the translation. Transliteration plus explanation accords with the fidelity rule. This rule refers that the translation should be faithful to the original text and conforming to the readers’ habits. And the explanation of translated name should be faithful and helpful to further and better promote the scenic spots. All in all, to achieve the purposes of translation of Chinese attraction names, efforts and endeavors should be made to provide the useful information about China’s tourist attractions for foreign tourists and attract them to visit the places.

“海宝雕塑” is transliterated as Hai Bao Sculpture with its explanation as the mascot sculpture of Shanghai World Expo. With the Chinese character

“people” as its shape, Hai Bao shows positive and optimistic attitude of Chinese people and welcomes visitors from all over the world to Shanghai, and its blue color represents the vitality and vigor of human life. The application of transliteration-plus-explanation in Hai Bao Sculpture (a mascot sculpture of Shanghai World Expo) can preserve the cultural connotation and make foreigners associate Haibao with the English word “harbor”, which symbolizes that Shanghai is a metropolis and harbor in the world. The transliteration and explanation of Haibao also allow foreign people to know more about China and Chinese traditions, and many of them would fly to visit this oriental country.

“窆石亭” is transliterated as Bianshi Pavilion and its explanation is a pavilion where stones are used to make the grave. People would feel bewildered and confused about the place when they first look at the translation name, while the bewilderment can be soon wiped out for the explanation gives a brief information about it.

“五福塔” is transliterated as Wufu Tower with its explanation as a tower can bring good luck if you climb it. When we first read the word Wufu, we may don’t understand what it is and have no interest to visit such a common tower. But when we pay attention to its simple explanation, we may become much more curious about it and want to know more about this tower as well as pay a visit there for it can bring good luck for us. The combination of transliteration and explanation is contributive to the translation of scenic spots

names and to the development of tourism industry.

“白堤” has its name as Bai Causeway and its explanation is that the great poet Bai Juyi had the causeway built and later people took his surname Bai as the causeway’s name in memory of him. Through the explanation, foreigners can understand the reason and origin of the name of this causeway.

More examples are as follows:养性斋--Yangxing Zhai (Mental Cultivation Study), 拙政园--Zhuozheng Garden (The Humble Administrator’s Garden), 岳坟--Tomb of Yue Fei ( a famous national hero in China), 瑶池-- Yao Chi (The Lake of Immortals), 魁星阁--Kuixing Pavilion (Literary-talented God Temple).

If the tourist spot name in Chinese is only transliterated in Pinyin without any explanation, it will turn out to be nonsensical and meaningless for foreign visitors and won’t achieve the purpose of communication. Therefore, sometimes we should mount a necessary explanation for transliteration so as to facilitate the tour for foreign tourists in China and meet their expectation and desire as well. In this way, Chinese culture and traditions can be better popularized and tourism industry boosted.

3.2.4 Word Embellishment for Idyllic Scenic Spots Names

Word embellishment is mainly related to the purpose and coherence rule, the translation of scenic spots names should be equal to the original

expression and appeal so as to attract more foreign tourists. Some scenic spots names apply the beautiful Chinese words or set-phrases, which are full of idyllic and poetic flavor. And these beautiful names have played a key role in achieving the purpose of unfolding the charm of tourist places and of attracting potential tourists. For foreigners, beautiful and accurate English words or vocabulary should be selected during the process of translation to embellish scenic spots.

As one of the ten views in the West Lake,“黄龙吐翠” has a variety of translations, such as Yellow Dragon Exuding Green, Yellow Dragon Displaying Green, Yellow Dragon Spits Green, Yellow Dragon Dressed in Green.[19] To translate this name properly and adequately, a comprehensive analysis of it should be carried out. Huanglong Cave is an immortal lake, whose pool walls hang with vines which make the moss around the pool emerald-green. Surrounded by the green trees, pines and bamboos, the whole scenic spot is submerged in the emerald-green. So, the word of “spit” in translation is inappropriate and has damaged the artistic image of the tourist spot. While the word of “dress” in the translation of “Yellow Dragon Dressed in Green” can well reflect the beautiful and wonderful scenery. Therefore, translator should consider the embellishment of words during the course of translation and make appropriate adjustment of those words.

“双峰插云” is a typical example of word embellishment, whose English version is Twin Peaks Piercing into the Clouds. The word “piercing”, more

superior than the word “reaching” and “kissing”, can depict the shape of the peaks and leave an unforgettable impression to foreign tourists.

“曲院风荷” has many English versions such as Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard and Windy Lotus in the Winding Courtyard, while the two versions are inefficient and defective to express the true features of the scenic spot. The name of scenic spot can be translated as Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Park, which can well embody the charming scenery there.

More instances are laid as follows: 水芳岩秀--Limped Water and Charming Rockery, 松鹤清樾--Melodious Resonance of Pines and Cranes, 远近泉声--Murmuring of Streams Far and Near, 澄波叠翠--Lucid Ripples and Superposed Green, 莺啭乔木--Nightingales Twittering in Arbores, 乐成阁--House of Enjoying Peace and Harvest, 鸣沙山--Soughing Sand Dune. People like to enjoy the beautiful scenery when traveling. Examples above have adopted polished English words to shine idyllic and poetic flavor of the scenic spots. The embellishment of words in translation can not only highly reveal and beautify the scenic spots, but also rise foreign tourists’ attention and fulfill the purpose of engaging them to pay a sweet trip there.

3.2.5 Cancellation of Excessive Information of Translation

Cancellation of excessive information in translation of tourist spots names also means to delete the redundant English words in translation so as to

conform to idiomatic English expressions. Foreigners prefer the concise, plain and direct way to express their ideas. To ensure the fluency and briefness of the translated text, some futile and repetitive information should be removed to make translation smooth and easily-understandable. The translator has the liberty to decide which part should be translated or canceled.

This method obeys the rule of coherence and purpose, which is to make the target text readable and acceptable and to achieve the purpose of the translation of scenic spots names. As one of the important parts of tourism material, scenic spots names have their own features: the name of tourist spots is often short and rich in culture and history and the name is generally easy to remember. While some tourist attractions names are heavily loaded with Chinese cultural information or background, we should cancel the excessive words that foreign tourists can not understand. For example,“太虚幻境” in the Grand View Garden can be translated as The Land of Illusion, which leaves out the trouble in understanding the translation and brilliantly keeps the connotation of the scenic spot name.[20] Here are some other instances: “五岳” can be translated as The Five Sacred Mountains, and there is no necessary to detail the five mountains into Mount Tai in the east, Mount Heng in the south, Mount Hua is the west, Mount Hen in the north and Mount Song in the middle.

“九寨沟” has been listed as one of the world natural heritages by UNESCO in 1992, whose official English name is Jiuzhaigou Valley. There

seems no need to detail nine stockaded villages around the valley and the conciseness of the translation is much more attractive and appealing to foreign tourists who want to pay a visit.

“孔庙、孔府、孔林” have their English versions respectively as Confucian Temple, Confucian Mansion and Confucian Cemetery. Since Confucius is popular and well-known in the world due to the large-scale promotion by Chinese government and numerous foreigners are in the eagerness of learning Chinese culture and language, so an over-again exposition and description of the great Confucius is unnecessary in the translation of scenic spots names.

The examples stated above release that if the English version is not concise and plain but with the flowery and superfluous words, quotations, poems, explanations or descriptions, which is not instrumental to the foreign tourists and their imagination. We could wipe out these meaningless and empty information without any hesitation through taking the cancellation method to meet the foreign reader’s aesthetic appreciation.

In brief, scenic spots names are short in words but rich in cultural connotations. Therefore, the translation of scenic spots names is not facile and easy. And high quality translation of scenic spots names is imminently needed since the purpose of translation is to attract the possible off-shore visitors.

Under the guidance of Skopos Theory and its correlative rules, the five presented methods such as literal translation, free translation, transliteration

plus explanation, word embellishment and cancellation of excessive information can allow the foreign tourists to better understand about Chinese beautiful sceneries and Chinese splendid culture, and can also boost their aspiration for a visit in great and colorful China.

Conclusion

With the rapid growth of economy and transportation, tourism industry has been emerging as a robust development-trend in China, especially since China has implemented the policy of opening-up and reform and entered into WTO in 2001, which has catalyzed foreign tourists to crowd into China. With abundant natural resources and colorful cultural atmosphere, China is imbued with tourist attractions for people both at home and abroad to explore.

After analyzing the translation of scenic spots names, it’s easy to discern that the present situation of English translation of scenic spots names in China is far from satisfactory and content. Multiple problems in translation prohibit the comprehending of target readers. Therefore, a regular standard is needed to solve problems and guide the translation of tourist spots names. While the Skopos Theory is very practical and effective to improve the translation of

names of scenic spots. According to Skopos Theory, translation is a purposeful human activity and the purpose of translation delimits any translation. In other words, the purpose decides the selection of translation ways. From the perspective of Skopos Theory, methods adopted in dealing with translation of scenic spots names are literal translation, free translation, transliteration plus explanation, word embellishment and cancellation of excessive information. All of those means are used to achieve the purpose of absorbing foreign tourists, advocating Chinese profound culture, and boosting international development of China’s tourism.

Through the description of translation of scenic spots names and related translation methods, foreign tourists can acquire some beneficial information from the translation of scenic spots names, tourist-guides in China can obey some rules in translating or interpreting scenic spots names, and teachers of tourism translation can obtain some suggestions from it. Above all, this thesis can touch up the current translation of tourist spots names and trigger more people’s attention in study of tourism translation. However, there are still some limitations in this thesis because of the finite competence and narrow language ability.

Since the author himself is not able to visit the numerous different places at same time, most examples cited in this thesis are narrowed to a few places or quoted from the relevant references, so they are not representative and typical enough. A further and deeper study and survey are imperative to cover

more aspects of translation of attractions’ names. In addition, due to the limitation of study scope, the current study still demands of the subsequent efforts and endeavors to check how Skopos Theory is systematically employed to deal with translation of scenic spots names. It is certain that further exploration and efforts in tourism field will output more fruitful and glorious results.

Notes

[1] Hans Vermeer. Skopos and Commission in Translation Action[M]. London and New York: Routledge, 2000: 39.

[2] 贾文波. 应用翻译功能论[M]. 北京：中国对外翻译出版公司, 2004: 46. [3] Graham Dann. The Language of Tourism: A Sociolinguistic Perspective[M]. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996: 127.

[4] Peter Newmark. A Text Book of Translation[M]. London: Prenrice Hall, 1987: 39. [5] 贾秀海. 旅游文化景观术语英译技巧[J]. 沈阳师范大学学报, 2004(6): 45. [6] 陈刚. 旅游翻译与涉外导游[M]. 北京: 中国对外翻译公司出版社, 2004: 59. [7] Christiane Nord. Translating as a Purposeful Activity: Functionalist Approaches Explained [M]. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, 2001: 12.

[8] Christiane Nord, 9.

[9] Hans Vermeer. “What does it Mean to Translate?”[J]. Indian Journal of Applied Linguistics,1987(2): 29.

[10] Christiane Nord, 13. [11] Christiane Nord, 27.

[12] Hans Vermeer. “Skopos and Commission in Translational Action”[A]. Venuti Lawrence. The Translation Studies Readers[C]. London and New York: Routledge, 2000: 100.

[13] Christiane Nord, 32. [14] Christiane Nord, 29. [15] Christiane Nord, 29.

[16] Christiane Nord, 32. [17] 陈刚, 133. [18] 陈刚, 335.

[19] 仇全菊, 刘炳淑. 旅游景点名称翻译中的文化传递策略[J]. 科技信息, 2011(16): 778.

[20] 王治江, 常亮. 旅游景点名称翻译[J]. 河北理工大学学报(社科版), 2008(3): 107.

References

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