Abstract:
The main purpose of this paper would like to emphasize the multifaceted role of the translator in the translation process and reverse the traditional view held by the public towards the role of the translators. The paper will include a close examination of the validity of cultural and functional approaches of translation studies, and their importance in supporting the role of the translator as decision maker. Skopos theory emphasizing the translator’s role is chose as the theoretical framework. The major part of this paper will provide an analysis of two translation versions of “The True Story of Ah Q”, a representative literary text embedded with Chinese culture and history. Translators’ intention and strategy in handling the specific cultural terms, allusions and literary styles in the translation are particularly looked at. It is hoped that through the analysis of two translations and their presumed translation brief, the translator’s painstakingly decision-making process can be demonstrated. Thereof, the importance of the translator in the translation process crossing two cultures can be manifested.
