A Study Of Chinese-English Conference Interpreting From The Perspective Of Functional Equivalence Theory

The functional equivalence theory was first mentioned by the American scholar Eugene Nida. His theory of translation—the functional equivalence theory—was formed by the theoretical concepts and terminology both from semantics and pragmatics and based on the nature of translation in linguistics. In this theory, he defined the goal of translation as maintaining natural and appropriate equivalence between the source language and the target language sequentially better restore the cultural connotative meaning of the source language. The functional equivalence theory can be divided into four levels:lexical, syntax, textual and stylistic equivalence. Because of the differences of regions and language cultures, the complete formal equivalence of translation is nonexistent. That seeking for the corresponding messages of the source language blindly in order to achieve the complete formal equivalence might be an incorrect method which would lead to the receptors’ misunderstanding and incomprehension of the correct meaning of the source language.Based on the lexical and syntax equivalence of the functional equivalence theory, the author collects thirty seven cases of the speech by Premier Li Keqiang at the press conference on March17,2013and analyzes the strategies that interpreters would adopt in order to achieve equivalence while interpreting at the conference. Firstly, the lexical level mainly analyzes the Chinese-English interpreting methods of the key words, phrases and Chinese cultural characteristic words. Words are the smallest unit of language that can be used independently, which cannot be interpreted well because of the referential meaning and connotative meaning. The Chinese culture is extensive and profound. The connotative meaning of Chinese words including Chinese proverbs, common sayings, idioms and two-part allegorical sayings also has the strong rhetorical feature. Interpreters should show the cultural connotation and original custom of the source language rather than satisfied with the conveyance of the referential meaning of the source language while interpreting the above words. Secondly, the syntax level mainly analyzes the Chinese-English interpreting methods of subjects, compound sentences and complex sentences. On account of the differences of languages and cultures, we can leave out the subjects in Chinese but oppositely confirm them in English. Thus, it is inevitable to shift the structure and adjust the order of sentences. Nida thought it is logical to restructure the source language. Adjust the structure of sentences appropriately will better achieve the syntax equivalence if interpreters can achieve the lexical equivalence clearly and accurately.In the process of the Chinese-English conference interpreting, interpreters can also abide by the four principles of translation including accuracy and understandability, conveyance of the spirit and style of the source language, nature and fluency as well as achievement of emotional resonance.