Adaptation Theory And Chinese-English Lyrics Translation

The new century has seen an ascending development of Chinese lyrics translation, which, together with English lyrics translation, has made great contribution to culture communication between China and the rest of the world. In the past decade, some remarkable studies have been made on English lyrics translation, while the translation of Chinese Lyrics has rarely been touched upon. Current research on this subject is quite unbalanced. As an indispensable part of lyrics translation, Chinese lyrics translation should also be investigated extensively and profoundly. Verschueren's adaptation theory not only provides a comprehensive pragmatic perspective on language use, but also sheds light on the nature and process of translation. Lyrics translation, with its unique characteristics, forms a special kind of cross-cultural communication. It is also a choice-making process of the translator to adapt over time the target text (TT) to the various limitations. Under the guidance of Verschueren's adaptation theory, this thesis does a tentative research on Chinese lyrics translation from two perspectives—intra-linguistic and extra-linguistic. By analyzing the chosen examples (mainly pop songs and folk songs), the author explicates that choice-making and dynamic adaptation happen at every level of lyrics translation (structural and contextual), and in each step of lyrics translation (interpreting and translating of the text). The translator is restricted and guided by the principles of lyrics translation. By fully understanding the original text and carefully choosing the text, he/she then presents to the audience a perfect translated version of Chinese lyrics:accessible to the culture of the target audience with a full play of Chinese authenticity.