A Report On The Descriptive Language Translation Of Horror Fiction Under The Guidance Of The Skopos Theory

In recent years,more and more readers across the world have a fascination with horror fictions,and increasingly the Chinese translated-versions of horror fictions have also become extremely important in cultural exchanges and transmission.However,very few studies are involved in the field of horror fictions translation.Horror fictions belong to popular novels,a type of popular literature.The fluent narration and horror atmosphere of this type of novel are two important aspects of horror fictions,and the creation of the atmosphere is inseparable from the author’s vivid description.Under this background,the translator selects some excerpts from If It Bleeds—The Life of Chuck,the latest horror novelette collection published by the famous American writer Stephen King as the source text.Under the guidance of three rules of the Skopos Theory,namely skopos rule,coherence rule and fidelity rule,and with the combination of the theory and translation practice,the report argues three dimensions including description of characters,description of environment and description of narration,focusing on seeking the proper translation strategies of descriptive language in horror fictions in order to reproduce the source text and the author’s writing style from different levels to the greatest extent.Some translation strategies including amplification,conversion,division,omission,free translation and literal translation is represented.In the meantime,the final translation should satisfy the reading and aesthetic habits of Chinese readers.This report develops gradually.First,the translator introduces the basic relevant information and background knowledge of the selected translation text whose type and contents are also showed.It also involves a specific elaboration of the Skopos theory.Next,the translator illustrates the translation process,including pre-task preparation,translation process and post-task control.Then the detailed translation process and case analysis are carried out under the guidance of the Skopos Theory.Through the study of specific examples from different perspectives,the translator explores how to use translation strategies in the descriptive language of horror fictions in order to provide ideas for future translation creation and offer helpful guidance,which is of significance.Finally,main conclusions are drawn in the report.Based on theory guiding practice,this report will try to supplement related research in this field,lay a foundation for follow-up research,improve the analysis of Stephen King’s novels,and provide new contents for horror literature translation.At the same time,the translator also wants to take this opportunity to understand her own shortcomings in translation and to achieve individual improvements in the course.