Chinese scholars have studied Ku’s translation of Zhongyong from different perspectives.They put emphasis on the linguistic and culture perspective. However, very few researches have discussed Ku’s translation strategies of Zhongyong from the view of Skopos theory. This paper aims to analyze Ku’s translating purposes and translation strategies of Zhongyong from the perspective of Skopos theory.

II. Theoretical Framework

In this part, the basic knowledge of Skopos theory will be presented in the following.                                                            2.1 An Overview of Skopos Theory

    When it comes to this translation approach, people should have a comprehensive understanding of its development and definition. Skopos theory was introduced into Germany in the 1970s by Hans J.Vermeer. It is the nucleus of German Functional School. In skopos theory, translation is seen as an intentional and interpersonal activity. Vermeer thought the purpose of translation is most important in the process of translating. Therefore, the main idea of Skopos theory is every action has its purpose, that is, translators should choose an appropriate way of translation to achieve anticipated goal. Then people draw the conclusion that the purpose of translation action determines the strategies used to reach expected target. The “aim” or “purpose” has three different meanings: translator’s purpose (e.g.making money), communicative purpose of the target-text (e.g.enlightening readers) and the purpose that is reached by using specific methods of translation (e.g.literal translation). Every translation aims at targeted audience. 

    Skopos is not an English word, but a Greek word which means purpose, aim, intention, and function. We know there will be many different types of purposes in a translating action. Perhaps translators want to instruct readers or earn a living, which determine translators how to make the source-text understood by the target-text readers using translation strategies or procedures. Generally speaking, translation is a process of making source-language and one culture accepted by the target-language and those that come from another culture. The Skopos theory goes through three periods, in which Hans J. Vermeer’s theory and its extensions are the most popular around the world. When it comes to Katharina Reiss, people know his functionalist translation criticism that is published on the book “Possibilities and Limits of Translation Criticism” in the 1971. Reiss holds the view that the ideal translation should be one that the TL (target language) text is equivalent to the SL (source language) text as regards the conceptual content, communicative function and linguistic form. Hans J. Vermeer bridges the gap between translation practice and theory. But how to make a balance between translation theory and translation practice is still a question confusing translators.