A Report On The Translation Of The Frontiers Of Translation: Stagecoach To Dances With Wolves(Chapter 2) Excerpted From Translation Goes Tothe Movies

This English-Chinese translation task is based on “The frontiers of translation: Stagecoach to Dances with Wolves”, which is the second chapter of Translation Goes to the Movies. Stagecoach reflects the conflict between the American cowboys and the Apaches in the process of the Westward Movement, though the Apache chief and its people are shown in the film, they keep silent. The film vividly depicts eight passengers who have different social classes and characters. Among them, Doc Boone, acting as the translator, could get well along with other passengers. Crockett’s role in The Alamo is like that of Doc Boone in Stagecoach. Crockett has a genius for getting along with his Tennesseans. What’s more, he and ranchers Bowie become good friends. Dances with Wolves highlights the conflict between the American and the Sioux. Through learning the Sioux language and understanding the Sioux culture, the white soldier Dunbar eventually becomes one member of the Sioux. Stagecoach, The Alamo and Dances with Wolves are famous western films. Taking these films as examples, this chapter gives us a new idea that the readers should pay attention to cultural differences, language otherness, the uncertainty of translator’s identity and translation behavior involved in the films.Under the guidance of skopos theory and on the base of the source text, the author strives to make sure that the translation is readable and in line with Chinese readers’ reading habits. Thus, addition, conversion and other translation methods are employed in the translation. Through this translation practice, the author deeply feels the difficulty of translation. At the same time, the author realizes that there is a long way to go to be a competent translator. Therefore, the author still needs to broaden her eyes and enhance her Chinese language skills.