Abstract

Since China has been embarked on the track of internalization and globalization, the C-E translation of public signs has been of great significance both in constructing metropolitan cities and in representing the great Chinese culture deposits. This paper focuses on the C-E translation of public signs from the perspective of functionalism. From an overall analysis of the features and connotations of public signs applied in different conditions, it can be concluded that there are four main functions of public signs. Meanwhile, since public signs are a kind of important cultural carrier of a city, on the basis of the great cultural difference between the Chinese and English, three indispensable translation principles and several common translation methods are put forward in the paper. 

Key words: functionalism, public signs, translation

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1.Introduction.1-

2.Overview of Public Signs2

2.1The Definition of Public Signs2

2.2The Functions of Public Signs.3

2.2.1Directing3

2.2.2Restricting.3

2.2.3Prompting4

2.2.4Compelling4

3.The Translation Principles under the Functionalism5

3.1The Equivalence of Meaning5

3.2The Equivalence of Intent.6

3.3The Equivalence of Style6

4.The Translation Strategies from the Functional Perspective7

4.1Borrowing.7

4.2Imitation7

4.3Recreation8

4.4Back Translation8

5.Conclusion9

Works Cited10