Translation Equivalence and the Reader's Response

The comparison of texts in different languages inevitably involves a theory of equivalence. Equivalence has been one of the central issues in translation although its definition, relevance, and applicability within the field of translation theory have caused heated controversy. In an effort to explore translation equivalence in terms of the reader’s response, this thesis intends to obtain a plausible account of theories and application regarding translation equivalence and other related fields. I propose that the reader’s response is the best answer embracing perspectives of recent developments in translation study in a wide communicative and cognitive frame of reference. Some of today’s most important theories on translation equivalence regarding the reader’s response will be presented. Then I will propose and elaborate on a more comprehensive model of translation equivalence, followed by detailed practice, analysis and discussion of selected literary works of translation between the Chinese and the English languages.