On the Translation of Wushu Terms: From the Perspective of Skopostheorie

Master's Thesis , 2015 , 72 Pages , Grade: 1

Guidebooks - School, Education, Pedagogy

Wushu, also known as martial arts, is one of the typical demonstrations of traditional Chinese culture. It is not only a sporting exercise but also an artistic form. The main function of Wushu is building up a sound form and meanwhile some illnesses are expected to be cured in the process.

The origin can be traced back to the primitive society where wild animals outnumbered the human beings and the living condition was fairly adverse. The ancient people adopted the primitive defending skills such as beating, kicking, attacking, jumping, leaping, etc. to fend themselves. Gradually, they learned how to make weapons out of stone or wood tools and later on developed the hunting and fighting skills with bare hands and apparatus. That is the initial stage of Wushu.

Wushu origins from China, but belongs to the world. It is the essence of Chinese culture, whose profound connotations are increasingly recognized and accepted by the people all over the world. Therefore, in order to promote the further communications between Chinese culture and the outer world, Wushu terms translation is of primary significance.

Many scholars have done relevant researches about Wushu terms translation; however, the existing deficiency and mistranslation in the Wushu terms translation have hindered the process of Wushu’s modernization and internationalization to a certain extent.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Chapter One Introduction
• 1.1 Research Background
• 1.2 The Significance of the Research
• 1.3 Outline of the Thesis
• Chapter Two Literature Review
• 2.1 Data Collection and Research Methodology
• 2.2 Studies of Wushu Terms and Difficulties in Wushu Terms Translation
• 2.3 Existing Problems in the Studies
• Chapter Three An Overview of Wushu and Wushu Terms Translation
• 3.1 A Brief Introduction of Wushu and Wushu Terms
• 3.1.1 The Definition of Chinese Wushu
• 3.1.2 History and Evolution of Wushu
• 3.1.3 The Role of Wushu
• 3.1.4 The Importance of Translating Wushu Terms
• 3.2 The Functions of Wushu
• 3.3 The Features of Wushu Terms
• 3.3.1 Visualization
• 3.3.2 Concision
• 3.3.3 Descriptiveness
• 3.3.4 Dynamic Qualities
• 3.4 Different Types of Wushu Terms
• 3.4.1 Terms Involving Natural Phenomenon
• 3.4.2 Terms Involving Weapons
• 3.4.3 Terms Displaying Pure Action
• 3.4.4 Terms Involving Visualized Images
• 3.4.4.1 Borrowing
• 3.4.4.2 Mimicking Human Actions
• 3.4.4.3 Mimicking Motions of Animals
• 3.5 The Limitations in Previous Studies of Wushu Terms Translation
• Chapter Four Theoretical Framework-Skopostheorie
• 4.1 Introduction
• 4.2 Representatives of Skopos Theory
• 4.3 Basic Concepts of Skopos Theory
• 4.3.1 Skopos
• 4.3.2 Translation Brief
• 4.3.3 Adequacy and Equivalence
• 4.3.4 The Role of Text Classifications
• 4.4 Rules of Skopos Theory
• 4.4.1 Skopos Rule
• 4.4.2 The Coherence Rule
• 4.4.3 The Fidelity Rule
• Chapter Five The Application of Skopos Theory to Wushu Terms Translation
• 5.1 Translating Wushu Terms with a "Skopos"
• 5.1.1 Addressee
• 5.1.2 Communicative Situation
• 5.1.3 Translator and Initiator
• 5.1.4 Source-Text Producer, Target-Text Receiver and Target-Text User
• 5.2 Translation Guided by the Theory of Text Type
• 5.2.1 Informative Type
• 5.2.2 Expressive Type
• 5.3 The Principles of Wushu Terms Translation
• 5.3.1 Acceptability
• 5.3.2 Preservation of the Characteristics of Chinese Culture
• 5.3.3 Transmitting Information
• 5.4 Wushu Terms Translation Strategies
• 5.5 Methods Commonly Adopted in Wushu Terms Translation
• 5.5.1 Transliteration
• 5.5.2 Literal Translation
• 5.5.3 Combination of Transliteration and Literal Translation
• 5.5.4 Interpretive Translation
• 5.5.5 Free Translation
• 5.5.6 Borrowing
• 5.6 Difficulties in Translating Wushu Terms
• 5.6.1 Few References
• 5.6.2 Translators' Deficiency in Translating Competence
• 5.6.3 Cultural Factors

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

The main objective of this research is to analyze Wushu terms translation from the perspective of skopos theory, taking into account the functions of the text type, cultural factors, and the acceptability of target readers. The author aims to provide valuable insights for future studies on the translation of Wushu terms, recognizing the limitations of previous research and the need to address the deficiency and mistranslation in Wushu terms translation.

• The application of skopos theory to Wushu terms translation.
• The importance of considering the functions of text type in Wushu terms translation.
• The role of cultural factors in communication and translation.
• The significance of achieving acceptability for target readers in translation.
• The need to preserve the characteristics of Chinese culture embodied in Wushu terms.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter One introduces the research background, the significance of the research, and the outline of the thesis. Chapter Two reviews existing literature on Wushu terms translation, identifying difficulties and shortcomings in previous research. Chapter Three provides an overview of Wushu and Wushu terms, exploring their history, functions, features, and types. It also highlights limitations in previous studies on Wushu terms translation.

Chapter Four delves into the theoretical framework of skopos theory, introducing its key concepts, rules, and representatives. Chapter Five applies skopos theory to Wushu terms translation, focusing on translating Wushu terms with a skopos, translation guided by the theory of text type, and principles of Wushu terms translation. It examines translation strategies and methods commonly adopted in Wushu terms translation, as well as difficulties encountered in the process.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The primary keywords and focus topics of this research are: Wushu, terms translation, skopostheorie, translation strategy, cultural factors, text type, acceptability, and preservation of Chinese culture. The research explores the application of skopos theory and other relevant approaches to the translation of Wushu terms, aiming to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of translation while maintaining the integrity and essence of Chinese culture.

• College: Portland State University (school of education)
• Grade: 1
• Author: Xiujuan Wang (Author)
• Publication Year: 2015
• Pages: 72
• Catalog Number: V306162
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668040946
• ISBN (Book): 9783668040953
• Language: English
• Tags: material arts, Chinese culture, Wushu, translation, terms translation, skopostheorie, translation strategy