1.2 Research objectives

This thesis is a case study of Lin Yutang's English version of Fu Sheng Liu Ji from the perspective of Chesterman's models of translation ethics. 

The focus is to identify how the five models are exposed by Lin’s version Six Chapters of a Floating Life, and many examples will be given to support each model of Chesterman’s theory. The thesis will answer the following questions: What kind of translation strategies did Lin Yutang apply in his version? How the translation strategies Lin used reflected Chesterman’s theory? What are the pros and cons of Lin’s translation on Fu Sheng Liu Ji? What are the influence these models of translation ethics have on translators’ strategies? What are the influence these models of translation ethics have on the reading effect correspondingly? 

The difficulty can be listed as follows: First, the author aims to prove that Chesterman's five models of translation ethics have positive effect in translation studies. Second, the author tries to find out how the models of translation ethics are applied and coordinated when they clash each other by the translators. Third, the author wants to find out some limitations of the five models of translation and to improve it through research as far as possible.

1.3 Research significance

It is worth studying Lin Yutang's English Version of Fu Sheng Liu Ji from the Perspective of Chesterman's Models of Translation Ethics since it can acquire two advantages.

In theory, Fu Sheng Liu Ji is one of the representatives of Chinese literature and has its great research value of English versions. In China, so many scholars and researchers tend to translate Chinese classics into English, but they didn’t pay enough attention to translation ethics, a new theory in China. So it is meaningful to choose a new angle to advance translation studies about the versions of Fu Sheng Liu Ji. Besides, this thesis will contribute to translating Chinese classics into English and to promote the transmission of Chinese culture to the world. 

In practice, within the framework of translation ethics, the thesis gives a systematic research on Lin’s version of Fu Sheng Liu Ji to examine the representation of five models in his translation. It can help people better understand translation ethics and some relationships involved in the practice of translation, such as relationships between original text, readers, translators, patrons and culture. At the same time, it is helpful to find out the influences translation ethics have on translators, including faithful reproduction of the source culture, service for expectations of readers, and promotion of cultural communication.

1.4 Research methodology and arrangement

The mainly adopted method in this thesis is documentary analysis method. 

This thesis will collect professional books, articles and journals concerning the topic to learn domestic and overseas studies on the field, the present situation and future tendency as well as to find theoretical basis for the project under research.

Four chapters are included in this thesis. 

Chapter one is the introduction, including research background, objectives, significance, methodology and arrangement of the thesis. Chapter two is the literature review of Fu Sheng Liu Ji, Lin’s version and translation ethics. 

Chapter three is the main body of the thesis. It analyzes Lin’s version of Fu Sheng Liu Ji from the perspective of Chesterman’s five models of translation ethics separately, meanwhile reveals each model’s function in translation activities.

Chapter four summarizes the whole study and the limitations and offers future trend of the research development.