Abstract: Report on the Work of the Government, as the authoritative document made by the Premier, has aroused widespread concern around the world. As Chinese four-character expressions account for a large proportion in it, whether they can be appropriately translated will affect the accuracy of its delivery. This thesis, from the perspective of Skopos Theory, studies the translation of these Chinese four-character expressions through analyzing the dominant translation methods adopted by each kind of Chinese four-character expressions, finding that four-character idioms and conventionalized semi-fixed four-character expressions are mainly translated by using liberal and literal translation, abbreviated four-character expressions with Chinese political characteristics are translated through literal and amplification translation and parallels in four-character expressions are translated by adopting literal and omission translation.

Key words: Report on the Work of the Government; Chinese four-character expressions; skopos theory; translation

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Theoretical Studies of Skopos Theory-2

3. Previous Studies of Report on the Work of the Government (RWG) and Its English Translation-3

4. Types and Features of Chinese Four-character Expressions-5

4.1 Definition of Chinese Four-character Expressions-5

4.2 Classification of Chinese Four-character Expressions-6

4.3 Features of Chinese Four-character Expressions in RWG-7

5. English Translation of Chinese Four-character Expressions in RWG Based on Skopos Theory-10

5.1 Translation of Idioms-10

5.2 Translation of Conventionalized Semi-fixed Expressions-13

5.3 Translation of Abbreviated Expressions with Chinese Political Characteristics-15

5.4 Translation of Parallels-18

6. Conclusion-20

References-22