Welcome to Francis Academic Press

Frontiers in Educational Research, 2019, 2(3); doi: 10.25236/FER.033042.

The Research on the Standardization of English Translation of Geographical Names in Zhangjiajie from the Perspective of Skopostheorie

Author(s)

Ling Zou

Corresponding Author:
Ling Zou
Affiliation(s)

College of Foreign Languages, Jishou University, Zhangjiajie 427000, Hunan, China
[email protected]

Abstract

Geographical name, referring to a place, is given to the natural or human and geographical proper name in a particular spatial location. It is not only the symbol of national territory and sovereignty, the epitome of history and national culture, but also the product of social phenomena and development. In recent years, the rapid development of tourism industry has further accelerated the internationalization process of Zhangjiajie and attracted more and more foreigners to come to Zhangjiajie for tourism, cultural exchanges and shooting films and televisions, etc. Therefore, the standardized use of English translation of geographical names is essential to improve the cultural connotation and establish a good image for the city. When it comes to the current situation of the English translation of geographical names in Zhangjiajie, this paper, based on the perspective of Skopostheorie, lists four basic principles that should be followed in the process of translating geographical names into English, including the principle of unification, convention and economic efficiency as well as the principle of name subordinated to owner. Besides, the paper puts forward targeted "translations" in order to promote further standardization and unification of the English translation of geographical names in Zhangjiajie.

Keywords

Skopostheorie, English translation, geographical names, Zhangjiajie

Cite This Paper

Ling Zou. The Research on the Standardization of English Translation of Geographical Names in Zhangjiajie from the Perspective of Skopostheorie.  Frontiers in Educational Research (2019) Vol. 2 Issue 3: 54-62. https://doi.org/10.25236/FER.033042.

References

[1] Chinese Geographical Names Committee (1983). Brochure for Translating Foreign Geographical Names. Commercial Press.
[2] Quoted from Xiaoqin Ge and Zhengming Ji (2006). Where does the English translation of geographical names go? Shanghai Journal of Translators, vol.57, no.3, P.57-59.
[3] Reiss, Katharina (2004). Translation Criticism: The Potentials & Limitations. Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, P.26-43.
[4] Newmark, Peter (2006). About Translation. Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, P.31.
[5] Shaodong Yin (2018). Historical choice of English translation of Chinese geographical names. China Place Name, no.12, P.38-39.
[6] Xiaoning Yuan (2015). On the principles and strategies of English translation of geographical names containing cultural factors. Chinese Translators Journal, vol.36, no.1, P.96-100.
[7] Meng Mei (2007). Collection of Chinese Idioms. Commercial Press, P.1922.
[8] Zhenran Lian (2012). On the translation principles of Chinese-English Translation Dictionary of Geographical Names. Chinese Science & Technology Translators Journal, vol.25, no.4, P.44-47.
[9] Xinsheng Niu (2013). Cultural reflections on the translation of tourist scenic spot names——A study on the normalization of the translation of tourist scenic spot names. Chinese Translators Journal, vol.34, no.3, P.99-104.