Who Has The Last Say In Literary Translation

This thesis is intended to make a tentative research on the subjectivity of the translator in literary translation from Skopostheorie. Analyzing the nature and features of literary translation as well as the characteristics of the subjectivity of the translator and guided by Skopostheorie, this thesis holds that as the most important factor in literary translation, the translator should dedicate himself or herself to the translation by exerting his or her subjectivity adequately.There are five chapters in this thesis. Chapter one includes the research background, research questions, methodology, and significances of this research. For a long time, the translator as the principal part in the translation has been in a subordinative position and the subjectivity of the translator hasn't drawn deserved attention. The cultural turn in translation studies in 1970s did offer a whole new perspective for translation studies and the research on the subjectivity of the translator became an important subject.Chapter two reviewed the previous research findings on the subjectivity and Skopostheorie. In this chapter, the main concepts of the Skopostheorie are introduced as the theoretical base of the thesis, including the principles of Skopostheorie, and classical researches in these two fields are summed up systemically.Chapter three explores the subjectivity of the translator in literary translation thoroughly. This chapter contains the analysis of the nature and features of literary translation and the subjectivity of the translator in literary translation. The subjectivity of the translator in literary translation is embodied in three aspects: the translating process, the adoption of translation strategies and translation methods, and several primary factors in literary translation.Chapter four applies the Skopostheorie into the research on the subjectivity of the translator. This chapter reinterprets the subjectivity of the translator on the basis of Skopostheorie, expounds the affirmation and constraints on the subjectivity of the translator and lists some corresponding requirements for the translator.Chapter five summarizes this thesis and provides further tentative research plans on this very subject. While pointing out some limitations in this thesis, we have high expectations for further researches. As the most important participant in literary translation, the translator should play an active role in every aspect of translation. The research on the subjectivity of the translator will become more profound and inclusive.