A Study on Chinese History Museum Text Translation from the Perspective of Text Type Theory: Taking the English Translation of Nanchang Relic Museum of Haihunhou State of Han Dynasty as an Example

Abstract

There is a scarcity of academic research on museum translation in China. In 1991, Professor Mu Shanpei, based on his personal translation experience, initiated the first discussion on museum translation in China in his paper Faithfulness and Fluency in the Chinese-English Translation of Historical Relics. However, since then, little progress has been made in this area even though research on museum translation from the perspective of functional translation theory emerged as early as 2011. The text type theory, viewed from the perspective of functional translation theory, shifts its focus from achieving literal equivalence to attaining the communicative functions expected of the translated text in the target language and in the context of culture. This approach presents novel ideas and perspectives for museum translation, as museums play a crucial role in cultural dissemination and ultimately aim to facilitate cultural exchange. Given the significant differences between Chinese and English languages and cultures, mere discussion on literal equivalence falls short in assisting museums to fulfill such mission effectively. Therefore, guided by Lesley’s text type theory, this paper takes into consideration the English translation of texts within Nanchang Museum of Haihunhou State of Han Dynasty as its research object, exploring strategies to achieve desired functions of museum texts while ensuring the effective realization of cultural dissemination.