1. 翻译的概念/目的 (如何理解Translation means translating meaning-翻译就是翻译意思。.)
1.）Translation may be defined as follows: The replacement of textual material in one language (source language) by equivalent textual material in another language (target language). Translation serves a bridge in the process of communications among human beings using different languages.
2.) 所谓翻译，最为完整的莫过于现代翻译家Eugene A. Nida所下的定义了：Translation consists in reproducing in the receptor language the closest natural equivalent of the source language message, first in terms of meaning and secondly in terms of style.（所谓翻译，是指从语义到文体上在译语中用最切近而且最自然的对等语再现原语的信息。）
3.) There is wide but not universal agreement that the main aim of the translator is to produce as nearly as possible the same effect on his readers as was produced on the readers of the original.

2. 翻译的标准（中西方翻译理论）
Translation is a re－creation of the art of language. Many well－known theories of translation have been put forward in the circle of translation at home and abroad. Among these theories, the theory of "faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance (信、达、雅)" advocated by Yan Fu is the most influential. Tytler's guiding principle（泰特勒三原则） is also very influential. a. The translation should be a complete transcript of the ideas of the original work (译文应完整地再现原文的思想内容). b. The style and manner of the writing should be of the same character with that of the original（译文的风格、笔调应与原文性质相同） c. The translation should have all the ease of the original composition（译文应像原文一样流畅自然）。Besides what has been mentioned above, "similarity in soul/ spirit" advocated by Fu Lei, a theoretical exploration of Qian Zhongshu's notion of "sublimation" (huajing, 化境) are also very influential.

3. 关于翻译的分类（口译、笔译/ 直译、意译、音译）Translation and Interpretation
Translation (translator) / Interpretation (interpreter)-- sight translation (ST) (视译) / consecutive interpretation (CI) (连续/逐步传/口译)/ simultaneous interpretation(SI) (同步传/口译)
Literal /Verbal Translation(直译) and Free Translation(意译)"Translate literally, if possible, or appeal to free translation"----陆殿扬 (如果可能，就直译，否则就采取意译). 美著名的翻译家 Eugine A. Nida 也认为，当直译会导致意义错误、形成语义空白（semantic zero）或引起严重的意义晦涩等情况时，就应采取意译。The two methods直译、意译 may overlap in whole or in part within a text.
例如：Who keeps company with the wolf will learn to howl. 与狼为伍将学会狼嗥。近朱者赤，近墨者黑。
One swallow does not make a summer. 一只燕子不能造成夏季。 一燕不成夏。 偏不概全。
He is between the devil and the deep sea. 他在魔鬼与深海之间。 他进退两难。
He needs to pull a rabbit out of his hat.他需要拿出一个绝招来（直译：他需要从自己的帽子里抓出一只兔子来）
Transliteration(音译)例carnation / AIDS // aspirin / gene /George Bush布什 / Margret Thatcher撒切尔，撒切尔

4. 译者应具备的条件 Prerequisites for Being a Translator
(1) Mastery of both source language(原语) and target language(译语). Source language. (2) Understanding of cultural background, national character and customs. (3) Practice makes perfect.

5. 翻译是艺术、科学？
In the most general theory, the translation of language relating to appearances and processes in the visible world should be science, while the translation relating to concepts or coloring physical phenomena affectively should be an art.

6. 好的翻译A good translation is one in which the merit of the original work is so completely transfused into another language as to be as distinctively apprehended and as strongly felt by a native of the country to which that language belongs as it is by those who speak the language of the original work. Translation is an "endless" procedure. Translations can always be improved. There is better is possible, as for the best, never.

7. 翻译与背叛Translation and Treason
As absolute faithfulness is impossible, treason in translation is unavoidable. Broadly speaking, there are several forms of treason in translation: 1. unconscious treason-betraying the original text unconsciously through misinterpretation, oversight or extremism in translation strategy; 2. expedient treason-betraying the original text by such flexible measures as avoiding what is beyond one's competence or making adaptations out of one's literary preference; 3. tactful treason-omitting or weakening what will be unacceptable to the TL culture on ideological grounds; 4. considerate treason-showing consideration for the TL reader, especially by making explicit what is too hard to understand; and 5. creative treason-betraying the "letter" of the original text so as to be loyal to its meaning, art, and spirit.( 一、无意性叛逆；二、权宜性叛逆；三、策略性叛逆；四、关照性叛逆；五、创造性叛逆。)

8. 翻译理论的职能
理论的基本职能是描写或揭示事物运动的内在联系和本质，用以指导实践。1.认知职能cognitive function 目的在于使翻译成为可知的客体，可掌握的规范和条理化的体系；2.执行职能 performing function 它使翻译实践成为高层次的语际交流，不再是匠人式的技艺； 3.校正职能 revising function. 它规范、指导提供对策。
Translation theory's main concern is to determine appropriate translation methods for the widest possible range of texts or text-categories. Further, it provides a framework of principles, restricted rules and hints for translating texts and criticizing translations, a backround for problem-solving. The Theory demonstrate possible translation procedures. Translation theory attempts to give some insight into the relation between though, meaning and language; the cultural aspects of language and behavior, the understanding of cultures.

9.英汉语言差异: 英汉语言差异主要体现在：声音层面(sound)、句子结构层面(grammar)和意义层面(meaning)。美国翻译家Eugine A. Nida 认为，就英语同汉语而言，在语言学上的一个最重要的区别在于形合同意合之间的对比(contrast between hypotaxis and parataxis)，英语强调形合(hypotaxis)，汉语强调意合(parataxis)。此外，英汉语之间存有的差异可归入两个不同的语系——前者属于印欧语系（Indo-European Family），后者属于汉藏语系（Sino-Tibetan Family）。由于英、汉两种语言代表着两种不同的思维方式，因此在进行它们之间的转换时，学习者应把握两种语言的重要思维差异。