Abstract:

This essay aims to study the application of functional equivalence theory in C-E translation of numbers in idioms. Due to the special features of numbers in idioms, such as accuracy, vagueness, cultural connotation etc, much attention should be paid to when translating such numbers. Therefore, this paper is mainly focused on the rules and ways used in the translation along with the important points that needs attention. The rules include nationality rule, popularity rule and figurativeness rule. Besides, at least 3 methods can be applied to translate these numbers, for instance, literal translation, adaptation and free translation. The author hopes to help more readers to know the skills applied in this kind of translation so as to avoid some unnecessary mistakes.

Key words: functional equivalence; idioms; numbers; C-E translation;

摘要：

本文旨在探讨功能对等理论在翻译成语中的数字时的运用。由于成语中的数字具有准确性、模糊性以及赋有丰富的文化内涵等复杂的特点，本文将重点讨论在运用该理论翻译成语中数字时所遵循的原则：民族性原则、通俗性原则、形象性原则；方法：保留数字直译、变动数字改译、舍弃数字意译以及一些需要注意的问题，希望能帮助更多的读者掌握翻译这类数字的时的技巧，避免翻译时出现不必要的错误。

关键词：功能对等；成语；数字；翻译

1. Introduction
Numbers are usually used to describe order, quantity and also used in idioms. Idioms with numbers become more simplified and vivid because numbers are often used in figures of speech such as hyperbole, metaphor, and simile and so on. Idioms, as a special form of Chinese culture, have their unique meanings, so do the numbers in them. They are the records of human civilization. When translating these numbers, an important theory should be followed: the functional equivalence theory, put forward by Nida. In this theory, Nida points out that in order to reach the ideal translation, it is necessary to find out the closest natural equivalence. Translation is not only the equivalence of word’s meaning, but also the equivalence of semantics and style, the translation of both the surface lexical information, but also deep cultural information. Nida put his focus on the receptor’s response in his new concept of translating. From Nida’s point of view, an equivalent translation should fit the receptors’ language and culture in order to make the translated message intelligible and natural to the target language receptors.