A Report On The Translation Of The Language Of Butterflies(Chapter 2-3)

This thesis is a translation project report form the second and third chapter of The Language of Butterflies that was written by Wendy Williams,which belongs to general science information text type.The source text starts with Darwin’s curiosity about the long appendage of orchid and then introduces the later studies on butterfly fossils and butterflies.It shows readers the mystery and beauty of different kinds of butterflies and narrows the distance between human and nature.Moreover,the selection help readers to discover that all creatures are neither simple nor ordinary.The thesis mainly reflects the process of combining translation theory and practice.It is guided by Katharina Reiss’ s functional translation theory,combined with explicit translation method,division and synthesis method for analysis.Because the aim of source text is mainly to popularize science knowledge to the public,so with the help of functional translation theory,the translator can transfer the original scientific knowledge better.Scientific text always has many metaphors and complicated and long sentences;therefore,the translator decides to select explicit translation method,division and synthesis method in the process of translation.For the accuracy of the translation,the translator has conducted many related materials that related to butterflies and orchids,striving to make the translation faithful and accurate,and conform to the Chinese language habits.