ry is skopos theory with Vermeer as the representative. Every translation is directed at an intended audience, since to translate means “to produce a text setting for a target purpose and target addressees in target circumstance.” (Vermeer, 1987) What the skopos states is that one must translate, consciously and consistently, in accordance with some principle respecting the target text. The theory does not state what the principle is: this must be decided separately in each specific case. (Vermeer, 1989) In other words, “the ends justify the means,” (Nord, 2001) From the perspective of intercultural communication theory, translation does not only mean translating a different language, in fact it means translating a different culture. Culture
differences are hard to deal with compared with linguistic differences. Vermeer also thinks that translation is a cross-cultural communicative activity. As the target readers of the book are the foreigners, we should pay much attention to the response, feelings and acceptance of the foreigners to reach the ultimate goal of successful international communication.
1.3 Significance of the Research
The most difficult part and outstanding feature of the translation is the attempt of translating ancient proper nouns related to traditional Chinese culture. The method used during translation will serve as an example so as to find a good way of passing on ancient Chinese culture and letting the whole world amaze at the beauty of old China and know more about China. The learners and researchers can compare, revaluate and find the weak points and strong points of the translation work in order to get the most favorable translating method and achieve the most satisfying result.
Chapter Two Source Text Analysis
2.1 Style and Manner of Writing
2.1.1 Semantic level
The genre of this material is exposition. As the content varies, the feature of language varies. While some sentences used in the material are elegant and beautiful with strong literary color, some sentences are a bit professional with many special terms. The basic truth we must always bear in mind is the genre is exposition. As the most important thing for an exposition is to pass on information, we cannot use too many exaggerated words to emphasize the beauty of languag
