王璐
【摘要】隨著中國加入WTO和對外開放的政策,越來越多的外國商品涌入中國市場,其中包括各種各樣的化妝品。本文筆者從目的論的角度研究化妝品說明書的翻譯,并對一些實(shí)例加以分析,提出在實(shí)際翻譯過程中的策略,并試圖為這一領(lǐng)域相關(guān)研究進(jìn)一步發(fā)展提出建設(shè)性的意見或建議。
【關(guān)鍵詞】化妝品說明書 目的論 翻譯原則
With Chinas entry into WTO,the trades between China and the rest of the world are developing very fast and an increasing number of foreign cosmetic products have been introduced into Chinese market.Actually,the cosmetics instructions are regarded as the most direct way to show the overall information of the cosmetic products to the consumers.Therefore,the translation of cosmetics instructions is of great significance.
The Skopos rule is regarded as the top-ranking rule for any translation.According to Skopostheorie,the purpose of the translational action is the prime principle.For the translation of cosmetics instructions,the main purpose is to arouse the consumers desire to purchase in order to promote the commercial sales.To achieve this goal,translation of cosmetics instructions should be well expressed and be acceptable to the target consumers in order to meet their demand,so it is essential to adjust the content or form of the source text to meet the selling purpose.In this essay,some representative examples are given.The author points that we can make some adjustments when we apply three rules of Skopos theory in the translation of cosmetic instruction.Moreover,it is advisable to employ the technique of change of content and form in the process of translation.
Example 1:English version:Protects skin and restores resilience.CRD-1 component reinforces the cell membranes to protect skin from drying wind and sun.Moisturizes Moist CM relieves and smoothes dry skin.
Chinese version:保護(hù)皮膚、增強(qiáng)彈性“CRD一1”成分強(qiáng)化皮膚松懈保護(hù)膜,保護(hù)皮膚不受紫外線、干燥等外界刺激的傷害,令皮膚年輕而富有彈性。強(qiáng)化皮膚保濕能力:Moist CM等高級(jí)保濕成分向干燥的皮膚供給水分,令皮膚濕潤細(xì)滑。(郭星余,2007:56)
For consumers who can not understand the chemical effects of the ingredients,it is necessary to give some further explanations.In this example,“令皮膚年輕而富有彈性”and “等高級(jí)保濕成分” can not be founded in the source text.Since the ingredient “Moist CM” is not familiar to the consumers,translator adds functions of the ingredients to make the cosmetics instructions more understandable and so as to stimulate consumers desire to purchase.The target text focused on the functions and effects of the producing technique since most of the potential readers are ordinary consumers.
At this point,the translator should avoid offering the complicated definition or some obscure words that make the consumers confused.On the contrary,if the translator just gives the complicated definition,such cosmetics instructions can not be acceptable by the consumers or promote the commercial sales.Therefore,we can find that this example obeys the skopos rule and the coherence rule.
Example 2:English version: AVON Exfoliating Facial Scrub,developed with tiny rounded microsphere helps to reveal fresher,younger looking skin by gently sweeping away this layer of dulling skin and debris.With just one use.you will see the visible improvement.
Chinese version:本品是雅芳護(hù)膚研究中心推薦的特效護(hù)膚品。含超微粒分子,圓滑柔和,不傷皮膚,可立即清除積聚于表皮的死皮(又稱老化角質(zhì))及毛孔內(nèi)污垢,解決面部皮膚晦暗、粗糙及疲倦問題:木瓜、風(fēng)梨等植物萃取精華,令肌膚清新舒爽,更有朝氣。(潘登,2011:67)
In this example,its wise of the translator to cross out the first sentences to emphasis the function and effect of the products,because what the consumers first see often impressed them deeply.For instance,the expression “dead skin” and “duller” may make the consumers feel unpleasant,so these expressions are deleted in the target text.However ,the problem of this example is that the amplification of “木瓜、風(fēng)梨等植物萃取精華” can not be found in the source text,which may make the consumers confused.
As a special kind of products,cosmetics are made of complex ingredients.The consumers may be in danger if they fail to use them properly due to the poor translation of instructions,especially for some people who are allergic to some ingredients.A good translation can break the barriers between consumers and manufactures and promote sales while the wrong guidance of instruction may cause the companies to bear tremendous loss.Therefore,from this example,we can see that the translation of cosmetics instructions is of great importance.
Example 3: English version:Spreads over the skin with velvety and melting touch to leave the skin lively fine-textured with rich moisture.Skin enjoys sweeping fresh texture from the moment you apply。
Chinese version:順滑地延展,深層沁入肌膚,調(diào)理肌膚。使肌膚滋潤、細(xì)膩而富有彈性。涂抹于肌膚的瞬間,即有水嫩輕靈的觸感。(潘登,2011:67)
From the example above,we can see that the application of the four- Chinese-character idioms achieves the aesthetic and vocative functions.The four- Chinese-character idioms rich content and balanced form caters to the female's pursuit for beauty.This translation fulfills the Skopos of translation with the application of the three rules of the skopostheorie.
In this essay,the author mainly studies the E-C translation of cosmetics instructions from the perspective of Skopostheorie.With the rapid development of Chinas economy and international trade,an increasingly number of cosmetic products will be exported to other countries.Therefore,people should pay more attention to this study and C-E translation is also needed to study.In addition,people should take more aspects into consideration,such as economy,culture and society and so on.People should also do more thorough research on the translation of cosmetics instructions and try their best to collect more material and information.Moreover,more representative examples are needed to be cited in the research in order to make contributions to better application of Skopostheorie.
參考文獻(xiàn):
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[3]潘登,黃音頻.目的論關(guān)照下的英文化妝品說明書的翻譯[J].荊楚理工學(xué)院學(xué)報(bào),2011,(3).