“目的论”指导下的汉英公示语翻译

Translation of Chinese and English Public Signs Guided by Skopos theory

摘要:公示语的应用是全球性的。文章从翻译目的论角度并按照目的论应遵循的三个法则,探讨了公示语翻译中存在的问题,并通过分析常见公示翻译中存在的不足来探究公示语翻译的过程和方法。

关键词:公示语;目的论;翻译

Abstract: The application of public signs is global. This paper discusses the problem in translation of public signs from the angle of Skopos theory and according to three principles that Skopos theory should abide by and probe in the process and methods of public sign translation through analyzing shortage in common public signs translation.

Key Words: Public Signs; Skopos Theory; Translation

公示语是城市生活不可缺少的一部分。公示语是指公开和面对公众,告示、指示、提示、警示与其生活、生产、生命休戚相关的文字及图形信息。也就是说,公示语是以公众为对象,以文字或图形的方式进行传递的信息服务。随着这一语言文体的出现,也出现了另外一些  隶属于公示语的文体,包括标示语、标识语、警示语等。作为城市面孔的公示语是给所有到中国来的外国人士留下第一印象的中国名片。因此,汉语公示语的英译代表一个城市的面貌,其目的是要在必要的场合能够指示、提示、警示、帮助到中国来的外国人士更加方便的学习、旅游和工作。翻译目的论( skopostheorie) 是功能派翻译的重要理论。在功能派翻译理论的创始人凯瑟琳娜·赖斯(Katharina Reiss) 和弗米尔(Hans J . Vermeer) 合著的《普通翻译理论基础》(1984) 一书中,他们主张以行为理论为基础,以文本的目的为翻译过程的第一准则,创立了翻译的目的论。目的论论者认为翻译是有明确的目的和意图的。

Public sign is the part and parcel of city life. Public sign refers to official notice, instruction, presentation, caution and character and graphical information related to life and production that face to the public. That is to say a public sign is also information service with the target of the public and with words or graph as the way to deliver. With the appearance of such type, there are also some types of writing attached to public signs including indication, logo, and caution and so on. As the face of city, public sign is a card of China for all foreigners who visit in China. Therefore, the English translation of Chinese public sign represents the face of a city, whose purpose is to indicate, prompt, alert, and help foreigners for convenient learning, tourism and work in necessary situations. Skipos theory is an important theory of function school. In Common Translation Theory Basis written by Katharina Reiss—the founder of translation theory of function school and Hans J Vermeer, they advocate to use behavior theory as basis, the purpose of text as the first principle of translation process to create Skopos theory. Skopos theory thinks translation has explicit purpose and intention.

一、目的论遵循的原则 Principles Abided by Skopos Theory

根据目的论,所有翻译应遵循三个法则:

According to Skopos theory, all translation should abide by three principles:

目的法则( skopos rule) 。是目的论的首要法则。该法则认为整个翻译过程,包括翻译方法和翻译策略的选择,都是由翻译行为所需要达到的目的决定的。

(1) Skopos rule is the chief principle of Skopos theory. This principle thinks the whole translation process, translation method and translation methods’s choice are decided by translation behavior.

(2) 连贯性法则(coherence rule) 。指的是是译文必须符合语内连贯的标准。所谓语内连贯是指译文必须能让接收者理解,并在目的语文化以及使用译文的交际环境中有意义。[1 ] (43 - 45)

(2) Coherence rule refers to that translation must accord with standard of intertextual coherence. The so-called intertextual coherence refers to that translation must let the receivers to understand and have significance in culture of target language and communication environment of using translation.(Wang Ningwu, 2006: 43-45)

(3) 忠实性法则(fidelity rule) 。指原、译文之间应该存在语际连贯一致。语际连贯类似于通常所说的忠实于原文,而忠实的程度和形式则由译文目的和译者对原文的理解决定。[2 ] (32)目的法则认为,一项具体翻译任务的目的决定了翻译一个文本需要直译、意译或者二者的综合。文本的功能有三类: 信息功能; 表达功能; 祈使功能。就公示语而言,其主要功能有祈使和信息功能。限制和强制性公示语的主要功能就是祈使功能,用来规范公众的行为。提示性公示语的主要功能是信息功能,这些公示语为公众的生活和工作提供必要的和有用的信息,使他们的生活更为便利。

(3) Fidelity rule refers to that there should be intertextual coherence between original text and version. Intertextual coherence likes the common saying to loyal to original text. But the degree of loyalty and form are decided by the purpose of translation and translators’ understanding to original text.(Nord, 2001: 32) The Skopos rule thinks that the purpose of a specific translation task determines to that a text is needed to literally translation, free translation or the combination of the two. The function of text has three kinds: information function, expression function and imperative function. For public signs, its main functions are imperative function and information. The main function of limitation and mandatory public signs is imperative function, using for regulating the behavior of the public. The main function of indicative public signs is information. These public signs supply necessary and useful information for life and work of the public and make their life more convenient.

二、公示语的应用范围与应用功能 Applied Range and Application Function of Public Signs

公示语的应用范围非常广泛,旅游者所到之处都可见公示语。公示语应用最为广泛的地方是

公共设施、旅游景点、街道区县、涉外机构等。公示语还应用在服务机构内外,如商业旅游设施、体育文化设施、科教卫生设施、警务设施等处。公示语在实际应用中具有指示性、     提示性、限制性、强制性四种突出的应用功能。

 The applied range of public signs is very extensive. Visitors can find public signs everywhere. Where that the application of public signs is the most extensive are communal facilities, tourist attractions, street, foreign institutions and so on. Public signs are applied in facilitating agency such as commercial tourism facility, tourist attractions, spots and cultural facilities and health facility. In practical application, public signs have indicative, suggestive, restrictive and mandatory these four outstanding application functions.

指示性公示语 Indicative Public Signs

指示性公示语体现的是周到的信息服务,没有任何限制、强制意义。因此语言应用也不一定

要求公众去采取何种行动,其功能在于指示服务内容。如Car Rental“租车服务”、Travel Service“旅游服务”、Take Away“外卖服务”、Cosmetics“化妆品部”、Information“问询服务”、Out - patient Department“门诊部”、Convenience Shop“便利店”、Night Club“夜总会”等。

Indicative public sign reflects considerate service and there is no restrictive and force significance. Therefore, language application is also not let the public to adopt any action. Its function lies in indicating the content of service such as Car Rental“租车服务”、Travel Service“旅游服务”、Take Away“外卖服务”、Cosmetics“化妆品部”、Information“问询服务”、Out - patient Department“门诊部”、Convenience Shop“便利店”and Night Club“夜总会”.

2. 提示性公示语 Suggestive Public Signs

提示性公示语没有任何特指意义,仅起提示作用,但用途广泛。如Reserved“预留席位”、Wet Paint“油漆未干”、Full Booked“客满”、Sold Out“售完”、Explosive“易爆物品”、10 % Service Charge“加收10 %服务费”、Minimum Charge“最低消费”、Caution :Wet Floor“小心地滑”、Blood Donation“献血处”等。

Suggestive public sign has no any specific significance but just play a role of presentation. But its use is extensive such as Reserved“预留席位”、Wet Paint“油漆未干”、Full Booked“客满”、Sold Out“售完”、Explosive“易爆物品”、10 % Service Charge“加收10 %服务费”、Minimum Charge“最低消费”、Caution :Wet Floor“小心地滑”and Blood Donation“献血处”.

3. 限制性公示语 Restrictive Public Sign

限制性公示语对相关公众的行为提出限制约束、要求,语言应用直截了当,但不要使人有粗暴、

无理的感觉。如Keep Right“右侧行驶”、Give Way“让路”、Ticket Only“凭票入场”、Handicapped Only“残疾人通道”、Free For Children Under 12“12 岁以下儿童免费”等。

Restrictive public sign puts forwards restriction and requirement for relevant behavior of the public. Its application of language is straightforward but should not make people feel cruel and unreasonable such as Keep Right“右侧行驶”、Give Way“让路”、Ticket Only“凭票入场”、Handicapped Only“残疾人通道” and Free For Children Under 12“12 岁以下儿童免费”.

4. 强制性公示语 Mandatory Public Sign

强制性公示语要求相关公众必须采取或不得采取任何行动。语言应用直白、强硬、没有商量余地。如No Admittance“谢绝入内”、No U - turn“禁止掉头”、No Smoking“严禁吸烟”、No Overtaking On Bridge“桥上严禁超车”、No Entrance“游人止步”、No Fishing Here“此处严禁钓鱼”等。

Mandatory public sign requires relevant people to have to adopt or not adopt any action. The application of language is straightforward and strong, such as No Admittance“谢绝入内”、No U - turn“禁止掉头”、No Smoking“严禁吸烟”、No Overtaking On Bridge“桥上严禁超车”、No Entrance“游人止步” and No Fishing Here“此处严禁钓鱼”.

三、以“目的论”为导向,做好公示语的翻译 With Slopos Theory as the Guidance and Translate the Public Sign Well

在公示语的翻译中,就目的法则而言,原文和译文的目的是一样的,原文的目的就是译文的目的,在翻译中没有必要改变译文的目的。忠实性法则是译者首先考虑的因素。连贯法则是公示语翻译中较难达到的目标,因为它要求源公示语和译入公示语在所起的示意功能上一致,同时也指受众对译入公示语和本国公众对原公示语的反应最大程度的一致。下面我们来分析一些公示语翻译上的欠缺。

In translation of public signs, for Skopos principles, the purpose of original text and version, the purpose of original text is the purpose of version. So it is needed to change the purpose of version. Loyalty principle is the factor that translator considers firstly. Coherence principle is the target which is hard to achieve in translation of public sign, because it requires it is unanimous in the meaning function of original public sign and translation public signs. Meanwhile, it also refers to the accordance of the greatest degree for the translation of public sign and original sign. In the following, we will analyze some shortage of public signs translation.

(1) 国内许多单位办公室的门上都标有“闲人免进”的牌子,看后总给人一种不自在的感觉。如照直译大致可译成”Admittance Denied to Idlers”,后又有人译为“No Admittance Except on Business”(非公莫入) 。正确的译法应该是Staff Only。如果按照目的论忠实法则来判断,在此例中,原来的翻译太过注重忠实法则,而没有考虑到连贯法则,从忠实法则的角度来看,前译并没有什么问题,但从连贯法则的角度来讲,译文不符合英语的表达习惯。“爱护绿地,请勿入内”有人译为“Care of the Green No Entrance. ”从目的法则角度来讲,此语的目的是让外国人一看就明白这是一条禁止进入草坪的公示语,但从连贯法则的角度来看,属于字对字的翻译,在相同的使用场合具有相同功能的公示语进行对译。此句可译为Keep off the Grass. 在英语国家更为间接、含蓄的表达方法是Please give me a chance to grow。[3 ] (269) 因此,公示语翻译的核心是“还原事物的本来面目”。如果用另外一种语言不能还原事物,这种翻译就扭曲了事实,造成信息的错误传达,误导人们的行为。翻译者必须在分析公

示语的字面意思的基础上,研究其语用意义,即源语的功能意义,才能达到翻译的真正目的。

In many domestic doors, there are signs with “闲人免进”which always give people a kind of uncomfortable feeling. If we literally translate it as “Admittance Denied to Idlers” or “No Admittance Except on Business” but the correct translation is “Staff Only”. If we judge it according to loyalty principle of Skopos theory, in this case, the former translation pays too much attention to loyalty principle but not consider coherence principle. With viewing from the angle of loyalty principle, the former translation is correct. But viewing from coherence angle, the translation is not agreeable for expressive habit of English. Some people translate “爱护绿地,请勿入内” into “Care of the Green No Entrance. ” From angle of Skopos principle, the target of this words is to make foreigners know that this is a public sign to prohibit to enter into lawny. However, from the angle of coherence principle, this belongs to translation word by word. Use public sign with the same function as the translation in the same situation, and this sentence can be translated as “Keep off the Grass”. In English countries, more indirect and implicit expression is “Please give me a chance to grow”. (Hao Liping, 2006: 269) Therefore, the core of public sign translation is to recover the original appearance of things. If another kind of language cannot restore things, such translation distort the truth and lead to the wrong deliver of information and mislead people’s behavior. Translators must research its pragmatic meaning on the basis of analyzing public sign’s literal meaning, and only this can achieve the real target of translation.

(2) 某商场电梯旁有一提示语,英文是“Take care of your head”,汉语为“小心碰头”,从这个例子里我们不难看出,译者将“take care of”与“be careful of”两个短语的意思搞混了,结果“小心碰头”成了“关心自己的头”。正确的译文因为“be careful of your head”或“Mind your head”。[4 ] (38) 从这个例子里,我们看到译语由于没有忠实于源语的信息,造成信息篡改和丢失。

　(2) In a market, there is a prompt near the elevator, whose English is “Take care of your head” and Chinese is “小心碰头”. From this example, it is easy to find that the translator cannot distinct the “take care of” and “be careful of”. The correct version is “be careful of your head” or “Mind your head”(Jiao Lei, 2006: 38). From this example, we can find that translation leads to the information distortion and loss because it is not loyal to the information of original text.

(3) 语言和文化密不可分,中英两种不同的语言代表各自不同的文化。因此在翻译公示语时,

应透彻地理解文字中所蕴含的文化内涵,这样才能完成两种语言的转译。例如:上海有一家万象服饰有限公司SHANGHAI ELEPHANT DRESS CO.LTD. 大象在西方文化中通常被认为是鲁莽的或者是大而无用的东西。基于这种文化差异,将公司名这样翻译是不妥的,因此建议用拼音来翻译公司名称: SHANGHAI WANXIANG GARMENT CO.LTD.在一些城市,我们经常会看到这样的口号: ××(城市名称) 是我家,清洁靠大家。原译: ××is my home , so each of us should keep it clean. 原译文有中式英语的痕迹,又显得拖沓冗长。比较好的译文应该是: Please Keep ×× Clean and Clear. 用了Please 使得口吻不那么强硬,使译文显得自然亲切。

(3) Language is closely related to culture. Chinese and English are different languages and they represent different culture. Therefore, when translating public sigs, we should thoroughly understand the cultural connotation containing in words and only this can complete the translation of two different languages. For example: there is a Wanxiang Dress Co. LTD. Elephant is regarded as a kind of cruel or big but useless things. Based on this kind of cultural difference, it is not proper to translate the name of company like this, so we advise to show the name of company with spell: SHANGHAI WANXIANG GARMENT CO.LTD. In some cities, we usually find such public sign: X X (the name of city)是我家，清洁靠大家。The former translation is X X is my home, so each of us should keep it clean. This is a kind of Chinese English and also sluggish. Better translation should be “Please Keep X X Clean and Clear”. The use of “Please” makes the translation look natural and kind.

(4) 了解公示语的功能意义,采取“拿来主义”在公示语翻译中,如果能用另外一种语言还原源语言的内容,就能如实地反映客观。如果用另外一种语言不能还原事物,就会造成信息的错误传达,误导人们的行为。翻译的真正目的就是沟通,如果在英语中找到有着相同意义的和功能的公示语,即可直接应用外国的公示语。在许多的公厕外都标示着“W·C”,但在英语环境中,“W·C”类似汉语中的“茅房”,属于很不文雅的说法,不适用于公众场合。如翻译为“Restroom”或“ Toilet”更合适。

 Understand the function significance of public signs and adopt “CopyCat” in translation of public signs. If we can use another kind of language to restore the content of original language, we can really reflect the object. If another language cannot restore things, it will lead to the wrong delivery of information and mislead people’s behavior. The real purpose of translation is communication. If we can find public sign with the same significance and function we can directly use foreign public sign. There are many signs of “W·C” out of many public toilet. However, in English environment “W·C” like “茅房”in Chinese, which is a kind of vulgar expression and not suitable in public situation so “Toilet” and “Restroom” is more suitable.

市内行驶的公交车为方便外国乘客在前车门上喷上“Up”后门喷上“Down”的字样,以表示中文“上车”和“下车”的意思。但如果按英文正确的用法,这两个词只能翻译成“向上”和“向下”之意。指物体本身放置的状态。如置换成“On”和“Off”意思就清楚多了。至于汉语中“入口”和“出口”的翻译,应按英语国家表述习惯,译成“Exit”和“Entrance”。“专用车位”,翻译成“Appropriate Parking”,实际上“Reserved Parking”就行。大学的留学生公寓中的“留学生”,翻译成了“Foreign Students”,实际上“In2ternational Students”更符合表达规律。我所在的城市公安局的英文译名Police Station 被大大地雕刻在大理石基座上,而在英语中,Police Station 是报警点或派出所的意思。公安局应译为Public SecurityBureau 或Police Bureau。

Buses in the city are signed with “Up” on the front door and “Down” in the rear door for the convenience of foreign passengers. However, according to the correct use of English, these two words just can be translated into “向上” “向下”which refers to the situation of things. We use “on” and “off” to replace it and its meaning will more clearly. As for the “入口”and “出口”in Chinese, we should translate it as “Exit” and “Entrance” according to the expression habit of English countries. The translation of “专用车位” is “Appropriate Parking”. Actually, “International Students” is in line with expression law. In the city that I lives in, the English Name of “公安局” is “Police Station” which is obviously carved in marble pedestal. But in English, “Police Station” refers to “报警点” or “派出所”. “公安局”should be translated as “Public Security Bureau” or “Police Bureau”.

更多国外常见公示语如下: More Common Foreign Public Signs as the Following:

Please remember to :

Put towels you want washed on the floor. Leave towels you will use again on the towel racks. This simple gesture helps protect the environment.Thank you ![5 ] (92)

请牢记:将您需要清洗的毛巾放在地板上;将您准备继续使用的毛巾挂在毛巾架上。您的举手之劳将有助环保。谢谢!

If this lift is out of order, please call 020 73639777 for assistance.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

如果电梯出现故障,请拨打020 7363 9777 请求帮助。我们为给您带来的任何不便深表歉意。

For Security reasons , please keep your bags andpersonal belongings with you all the time. Thank you for your vigilance!

鉴于治安考虑,请您随时保持警惕,将您的包袋、个人物品随身携带。谢谢!

Please offer this seat to elderly or disabled people or those carrying children.

请将此座留给老年人、残疾人和抱孩子的人。

To avoid congestion please do not stand near the stairs.

楼梯附近,请勿停留,以防堵塞。

Please close behind you, thank you!

请随手关门,谢谢!

Please close this gate securely on entry and exit

出入请将门关严

Please have your ticket or boarding card ready for inspection

请将机票或登机牌准备好接受安检

Please mind the step

请小心台阶

No Photography

严禁拍照

Daily Special

今日特价

Daily Service

当日可取

Caution Maintenance in progress

注意:正在维修

Please reuse the towels

请继续使用毛巾

Recycled

回收利用

Management not responsible for articles lost or stolen.

遗失物品,店方概不负责。

Take Care, Not to Leave Things Behind.

当心,不要遗忘携带物品。

Wait in Line

排队等候

Beware of Pickpocket

谨防扒手

No Trespassing

非请莫入

Keep Out

切勿进入

Caution, falling objects

当心落物

Caution ,infection

当心感染

从某种意义上讲,规范、详尽的公示语体现一个地区的文明程度。由于公示语在公众和旅者生活中的重要意义,对公示语的任何歧意、误解、滥用都会导致不良后果。只有认真探讨英语公示语的功能意义和语言特点,分析汉英公示语的文化差异,以目的论为导向,克服鹦鹉学舌、囫囵吞枣、随心所欲、不负责任的倾向,才能真正准确发挥英语公示语在我国深化改革,扩大开放,城市国际化进程中的积极作用,译出简洁有力,人们喜闻乐见的公示语。

In a sense, regulatory and detailed public signs show the civilization degree of a region. Any misleading and misuse of public signs will lead to bad result, because public signs have important significance in life of the public and visitors. Only seriously probing the function significance and language’s character of English public signs, analyzing the cultural differences of Chinese and English publish signs, with Skopos theory as guidance, overcoming trend of copy, bolt and irresponsibility can really develop the positive function of English public sign in our country’s process of deepening the reform, opening up and internationalization of city and translate concise, powerful and popular public signs. 

参考文献:

[1]王宁武,杨林,康皓伟. 从“目的论”角度析公示语的汉英翻译[J] . 牡丹江教育学院学报,2006 (4) .

[2]Nord , Christiane : Translating as a Purposeful Activity : Functionalist

Approaches Explained. Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press ,April , 2001.

[3]郝丽萍,李红丽,白树勤. 实用英汉翻译理论与实践[M] . 北京:机械工业出版社,2006.

[4]焦蕾. 浅议公示语的英译[J ] . 开封教育学院学报,2006 (3) .

[5]北京第二外国语学院公示语研究中心. 公示语集锦[J] . 中国翻译,2006 (3) .