The Translation Strategies of Chinese Characteristic Words under the Perspective of Functional Paradigm: Taking Report on the Work of the Government 2023 as an Example

In this article, overall strategies of the English translation of Report On the Work of the Government 2023 are first analyzed with the aid of four main theories in the perspective of the functional paradigm, namely the text-type theory, the translational action theory, the skopos theory, and the localization theory. After that, specific translation strategies of the vocabulary of Chinese characteristics are illustrated using examples taken from the Report , which can be summarized into provincial translation, conversion, addition and equivalence. In closing, it is emphasized that translators should embrace more flexibilities in “reconstructing” based on the characteristics of source text so as to provide easier access for international readers to know what China is actually like.


Introduction
The Report on the Work of the Government (later referred to as the Report) is a form of an official document of the Chinese government read out by the Premier of the State Council at the National People's Congress. It is a summary of work and work deployment made by the Chinese government to the people's representatives, summarizing the new achievements in the cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics in the past year and deploying the basic guidelines and state policies tailored to the national conditions of China (Liao, 2003). Therefore, the Report is undoubtedly a reliable source for the outside world to understand China's national condition, policies and development state.
As with the case of the Report, the main actors in the English translation of the Report are divided into three categories. The Prime Minister is the author of the Report and performs both roles of source text information sender and writer; the translator is also the translator in the information transfer framework; since the Report is publicly released and can be read by international people, they are thus the target text users and the recipients of the information. In this information transmission process, the Premier represents the State Council, and thus the wording is more formal, mostly with professional terms and official language. While international people, as the reader, come from all walks of life and bear with their different backgrounds. Such differences require the translator to preserve professional terms and official language to demonstrate preciseness and reliability while explaining in simple language to make the Report more accessible to international readers.
The skopos theory was put forward by Hans Vermeer, a German linguist. He believed that translation was a goaloriented/audience-oriented act. In order to achieve the communicative purpose and convey the message, the translator should choose different translation methods flexibly according to the situation. The skopos theory includes three major principles: the purpose principle, the coherence principle and the fidelity principle. The principle of purpose states that the translation process is influenced by the sender, receiver and translator of the message. The principle of coherence states that the output translation should make sense in the target language culture and be acceptable to the target readers. The principle of fidelity means that when the translation does not follow the original text exactly, it is the translator's responsibility to include some explanations to ensure that the message is faithfully conveyed.
From the principle of purpose, the English translation of the Report should pay attention to highlighting facts and enhancing persuasiveness by citing data, actual situations, etc., so as to convince overseas readers. From the principle of coherence, the English translation of the Report should pay attention to cultural differences in the translation of Chinese characteristic words and find metaphors and imageries that are commonly used or acceptable to international audiences through investigation and communication to facilitate readers' understanding. From the perspective of the fidelity principle, when translating the policies and terms in the Report, if a free translation is needed or direct translation is not easy to understand, some explanations should be added to achieve the communicative purpose.
The theory of localization was proposed by Anthony Pym, a Spanish translation scholar. He believed that translation involved a series of movements across time and space and called this process "localization". Localization requires the translator to transform the source text to fit it into the target language market.
Under the guidance of localization theory, translators can read similar texts in the target language market and learn from their linguistic styles while retaining characteristics of a source text to enhance competitiveness in the target language market. In the case of the English translation of the Report, translators can refer to the linguistic and discourse characteristics of similar work report texts in Britain and the United States so as to tailor the source text to the habits of the target readers and facilitate their acceptance.

Definition and Classification of Terms with Chinese Characteristics
Vocabulary with Chinese characteristics refers to the unique vocabulary that reflects Chinese policies and Chinese language and culture. The vocabulary of Chinese characteristics has distinctive periodicity, high generality and profound culture (Lijuan, 2021).
As for the classification of vocabulary with Chinese characteristics, categories vary according to different criteria. Based on the English translations of Chinese distinctive vocabulary in two international journals, Times and The Economist, between September and December 2012, Chinese distinctive vocabulary can be classified into net neologisms, social, economic and cultural vocabulary, institutional policy vocabulary and Chinese idioms and proverbs [4] ; in 2020 Report, Chinese distinctive vocabulary can be classified into four-character idioms, epochal neologisms, numerical abbreviations and regional abbreviations (Xing, 2014).
Referring to previous studies, this paper divides the Chinese characteristic vocabulary in the 2023 Report into five major categories based on their functions: vocabulary for emphasis, vocabulary for vividness, vocabulary for conciseness, vocabulary to abbreviate names and vocabulary for approachability.

Examples of Chinese Characteristic Words and Translation Strategies
Based on the four theories from the perspective of functional paradigm: text type theory, translatorial action, skopos theory and localization, the translation strategies of five major categories of Chinese characteristic words are: provincial translation, conversion (transposition and conversion), addition and equivalence.

Vocabulary for emphasis
It is the kind of vocabulary that seeks to achieve emphasis or exaggeration. Most of them are four-character words or phrases separated by commas.

Summarizing same or similar meanings.
It is mainly used in the English translation of intertextual set phrases. Example 2: Source text: 推动国企聚焦主责主业优化重组、提质增效。 (To promote SOEs to focus on their main responsibilities, optimize their restructuring and improve quality and enhance efficiency.) Translation: This enables SOEs to upgrade and restructure their operations so as to focus on their primary responsibilities and core business and enhance quality and performance.
Example 3: Source text: 中央部门盘活存量资金和闲置资产，腾出的资金千方百计惠企裕民。 (Central departments revitalize the stock of funds and idle assets, freeing up funds to benefit enterprises and enrich people by all means.) Translation: We also put idle funds and assets to good use and tapped every means possible to see that these funds were used to benefit businesses and people.
As in the three examples above, the three pairs of characters are in bold: "true", "real", "improve", "increase",; "benefit", and "enrich". In English translation, the meaning of each pair of characters can be simplified to one word in English, and then the two nouns corresponding to the pair can be connected by a conjunction to serve as a modified component or object. This strategy of translation embodies the semantic relationship of parallelism within intertextual set phrases while avoiding the use of adjectives or verbs carrying overlapping meanings. Such a translation choice conveys the meaning while retaining some of the original form, which conforms to the translation strategy of "expressive" text in text type theory.

The Translation Strategies of Chinese Characteristic Words under the Perspective of Functional Paradigm: Taking Report on the Work of the Government 2023 as an Example
Page | 4 (Insist on the administration according to the law and for the common good.) Translation: We exercised law-based government administration and served the common good of all. Example 2: Source text: 坚持精准治污、科学治污、依法治污，深入推进污染防治攻坚。 (We continue to tackle pollution precisely, scientifically and lawfully and deepen efforts to prevent and control pollution.) Translation: Applying targeted, law-based, and science-driven approaches, we worked harder to prevent and control pollution.
In the above two examples, the original Chinese text is "adverb or adverbial structure + verb", while the English translation uses the structure of "adjective + noun". Such choice is an adaption to the language habits of target readers and conforms to the static characteristics of the English language, which is in line with the requirement of "rewriting the source text according to the language habits of the target market" in localization theory. Translation: China's economy is staging a steady recovery and demonstrating vast potential and momentum for further growth. In Example 1, "in a large amount and in a wide range" means to demonstrate the wide positive influence of the policy. This point is already made by " Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as well as individual entrepreneurs ". So, the effect of this word can be achieved by simply using "many".

Translating only the general meaning.
In Example 2, the set phrase "stabling and developing" means: to stand firmly on one's feet and then develop upward. The two stages can be regarded as a process of gradually restoring the normal state and, therefore, can be translated as "staging steady recovery". In Example 3, the set phrase "buildings, halls, mansions and offices" is not used to introduce these four types of buildings to the readers but is used to facilitate readers' understanding by listing several government buildings as an example. Therefore, it is not necessary to translate the four kinds of buildings in the phrase one by one. This phrase can be translated in a general way just to point out that these four buildings are all "government buildings". Example 2: Source text: 事不畏难、行不避艰。 (We did not fear difficulties in our actions and did not avoid toughness in our deeds.) Translation: We tackled challenges and difficulties head-on.

Converting Verbs to Adverbs.
Example 3: Source text: 坚持敢于斗争、善于斗争，坚决维护我国主权、安全、发展利益。 (We stick to the principle of daring to fight and being good at fighting, and we firmly uphold our sovereignty, security, and development interests.) Translation: With courage and the ability to stand our ground, we resolutely safeguarded China's sovereignty, security, and development interests.
In the three examples above, the adverbs in the English translation carry the meaning of the verbs in the Chinese source text, and a modified verb is added in the English translation. Such translation choice conforms to the "one predicate verb in each clause" principle in English grammar, and therefore the English sentence produced is more authentic.

Vocabulary for vividness
This vocabulary category includes idioms or new structures with images that add vividness to expressions. The English translation of this category of words mainly considers whether it is necessary to translate the images and whether translated images are acceptable to English readers. Based on these two considerations, translators can produce a translation that can be easily understood by readers according to the Coherence Principle in the Skopos theory.

Translating the meaning and eliminating the image.
Elimination of image is applied when the image in the Chinese source text cannot be easily understood by English readers or when the Chinese image is a customary expression and carries little actual meaning.
Example 1: Source text: 在攻坚克难中稳住了经济大盘。 (We maintained the big board of economy in our fight against trials and hardships.) Translation: Overcoming great difficulties and challenges, we succeeded in maintaining overall stable economic performance.
Example 2: Source text: 支持经济大省勇挑大梁。 (We supported major economic provinces to shoulder the girder.) Translation: We supported major economically developed provinces in shouldering greater responsibility.
Example 3: Source text: 依法严惩黑恶势力及其"保护伞"。 (We posed severe punishment on black and evil forces and their "protective umbrellas" according to law.) Translation: We launched campaigns to combat criminal gangs and those who provided protection for them in accordance with the law.
In the above three examples, "stabilize the big board" and "shoulder the girder" are both customary uses in Chinese. Since "big board" and "girder" do not contribute much to the meaning of a sentence, we choose to eliminate the image and translate the semantic meaning.
The word "umbrella" used in example 3 carries a derogatory sense. Therefore, if we translate this phrase as "protective umbrellas", foreign readers may mistake this image of an umbrella for a positive image. Upon this consideration, we choose to translate the reference rather than an image, namely "an organization or individual that provides protection".

Transferring the image to convey the meaning.
Transfer of image is used when a Chinese image adds vividness to the sentence, and an acceptable equivalent can be found in English. Example 1: Source text: 坚决反对空谈浮夸、做表面文章、搞形象工程。 (We resolutely oppose empty talk, superficial articles and image projects.)

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Translation: We resolutely opposed empty talk and boastfulness, window dressing, and vanity projects. Example 2: Source text: 有的地方政策执行"一刀切"、层层加码。 (Some local governments have cut things in two with one knife in implementing policies or taken excessive measures when implementing policies.) Translation: Some local governments have used one-size-fits-all approaches or taken excessive measures when implementing policies.
Example 3: Source text: 帮助企业渡过难关、留得青山。 (The policy helped enterprises to overcome difficulties and retain the green hill.) Translation: This policy helped enterprises overcome difficulties and stay afloat. As is shown in the above three examples, the images have been transferred. The phrase "superficial articles" in Chinese is translated as "window dressing" in English, which means "adding to the appearance without any real benefit". " The image of "knife" in " cut things in two with a knife" is converted to "size" in English. The phrase "to satisfy all with one size" is undoubtedly a manifestation of arbitrariness, which explains the connotation of "cut things in two with a knife" in Chinese. "Retain the green hill" in Chinese is translated into "stay afloat" in English. "Float" is associated with the sea and is thus in line with the maritime culture of English.

Conveying the Meaning with the original image.
Example 1: Source text: 坚持实施扩大内需战略，培育更多经济增长动力源。 (We insist on implementing the strategy of expanding domestic demand and cultivating more economic growth engines.) Translation: We carried out the strategy of expanding domestic demand to foster more growth engines.

Example 2:
Source text:鼓励有条件地区更大发挥带动作用，推动形成更多新的增长极增长带。 (We encourage regions with favorable conditions to play a greater role in driving and promoting the formation of more growth poles and growth belts.) Translation: We encouraged regions with favorable conditions to lead the way in the development and fostered more growth poles and growth belts.

Vocabulary for conciseness
Ellipsis words or structures used for simplification of expressions.
The English translation of this category of vocabulary is mainly based on the theory of translation behavior. The reading experience of foreign readers is taken into account as information receivers and users, and additions are made in terms of semantic meanings and logical relationships.

Complement semantic meanings.
Example 1: Source text: 开展重点产业强链补链行动。 (We carried out actions to strengthen and replenish chains in key industries.) Translation: We worked to shore up weak links in the industrial and supply chains of key industries.
Example 2: Source text: 完善强农惠农政策。 (We improved policies to strengthen and benefit agriculture.) Translation: We improved policies to boost agriculture and benefit farmers. In the above four examples, the English translations take into account the fact that foreign readers lack an understanding of China's policies and national conditions and therefore make semantic additions. For example, the English translation of "strengthen and replenish the chain" adds "production and supply chain"; in the second example, "strengthen agriculture and benefit farmers" clarifies the difference between the two "Nong" in Chinese; in the third example, "cardinal and clean relationship", alliteration is used to attain equivalence with the two adjectives "Qing" in Chinese. This translation achieves equivalence at both phonetic and semantic levels; in the fourth example, " new and unique products using special and sophisticated technologies " clarifies that products are "unique and new" and technologies are "special and sophisticated". These additions make the policies and descriptions of the current situation more specific and, therefore, easier for foreign readers to understand.

Complement logical relationships.
Example 1: Source text: 扎实推进保交楼稳民生工作。 (We took concrete steps to ensure the delivery of buildings and stabilize people's livelihood.) Translation: We took concrete steps to ensure that overdue housing projects were completed and delivered to meet people's basic living needs.
Example 2: Source text: 坚持共商共建共享。 (We insisted on discussing, constructing and sharing together.) Translation: We remained committed to achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration.
Example 3: Source text: 着力解决人民群众急难愁盼问题。 (We spared no effort to solve the problem of people's urgent difficulties and worries.) Translation: We spared no effort to solve the pressing difficulties and problems that concerned them most. Logical additions are applied to the "seemingly parallel" structure in the above three examples. In the English translation, "to", "through", and "that" are used, which clearly and concisely illustrate implied logical relations of "act-purpose", "goal-means", and "modified---modifying". Messages are, therefore, accurately conveyed.

The Translation Strategies of Chinese Characteristic Words under the Perspective of Functional Paradigm: Taking Report on the Work of the Government 2023 as an Example
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Vocabulary to abbreviate names
Proper names are used for reference of "policy", "measure", "goal", etc., which are summarized in order to avoid too long names. The proper names are usually put in quotation marks.

Transferring Negation to Affirmation.
Example 1: Source text: 严格落实"四个不摘"要求。 (We strictly implemented the "four no-pick" requirement.) Translation: We made sure that though poverty had been eliminated, all of the related responsibilities, policies, support, and oversight remained in place.

Example 2:
Source text: 坚持"两个毫不动摇"。 (We stick to "Two No-swaying".) Translation: We worked unswervingly both to consolidate and develop the public sector and to encourage, support, and guide the development of the non-public sector.
Example 3: Source text: 重点解决"两不愁三保障"问题。 Focus on solving the problem of "two, no worries, three guarantees". Translation: We made major efforts to meet the basic food and clothing needs of poor people and see that they had access to compulsory education, basic medical services, and safe housing and drinking water. In the above three examples, the negation word "no", representing the negative voice, has been transferred to the positive voice. Three affirmative forms, "remained in place", "worked unswervingly," and "meet ... needs", are used to avoid the negative meaning of the characteristic words in quotation marks and accentuate the positive meaning. The negation-to-affirmation transfer reflects the operative textual characteristic of the Report and can lead to positive feedback from foreign readers.

Nominalization of verbs.
Example 1: Source text: 科学有序推进碳达峰碳中和。 (We promote the carbon to peak and neutralize in a scientific and orderly manner.) Translation: We worked toward the targets of peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality with well-conceived and systematic steps.
Example 2: Source text: 深入开展"双拥"活动。 (We carry out in-depth "mutual back" activities.) Translation: We should conduct extensive activities to promote mutual support between civilian sectors and the military.
In the above two examples, with the guidance of localization theory, the verbs "reach", "neutralize", and "back" in the original Chinese are replaced by "peak emission", "neutrality", and "support" in English. This translation choice embodies the change from dynamic language to static language, fitting with language habits in English.

Omitting numbers of generality.
Example 1: Source text: 持之以恒纠治"四风"。 (We kept up our efforts to rectify the "four tendencies".) Translation: We kept up our efforts to tackle pointless formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance.
Example 2: Source text: "三公"经费大幅压减。 (We slashed "three governmental expenses".) Translation: Spending on official overseas visits, vehicles for official use, and official hospitality was slashed. Example 3: Source text: 做好基层"三保"工作。 (We should ensure the "three guarantees" at the primary level.) We should see that at the primary level, basic living needs are met, salary payments are ensured, and normal government functioning is maintained.
In the above three examples, the English translations of "four tendencies", "three governmental expenses", and "three guarantees" do not present the corresponding numbers in the Chinese source text but choose to present the explanatory content directly, demonstrating the policies and specific situations. On the surface, such translation choice is not faithful to the original text, but in fact, it follows the rule of fidelity in skopos theory. The translations conform to the features of informative texts and achieve fidelity in the communication of meaning.

Vocabulary for Approachability
A vocabulary of this kind is used to create a sense of familiarity and make the Report more approachable for common people.

Equivalence
Example 1: Source text: 政府的权力来自人民，有权不可任性，用权必受监督。 (The power of government comes from the people, the power cannot be used arbitrarily, and the use of power must be supervised.) Translation: The power of the government comes from the people; it should not be wielded as one pleases, and the exercise of power must be subject to supervision.
Example 2: Source text: 坚持房子是用来住的、不是用来炒的定位。 (We stick to the principle that housing should be used for living and should not be used for speculation.) We adhere to the principle that housing is for living in and not for speculation.
Example 3: Source text: 下大气力抓农业生产。 We put tremendous efforts into enhancing agricultural production. We redoubled efforts to bolster agricultural production. In the above three examples, expressions and structures in daily conversation are used to help create a sense of familiarity. In translations, phrases and structures common in the English language are employed to produce equivalent effects.

Conclusion
To sum up, this paper analyzes the English translation strategies of Chinese characteristic words in the Report on the Work of the Government 2023 from the perspective of the functional paradigm, which includes text type theory, translational behavior, skopos theory and localization. The main translation methods are: omission, conversion, addition and equivalence. According to the different functional categories of Chinese characteristic vocabulary, the English translation methods are adjusted accordingly, reflecting the flexibility of translators to "recreate" the source text to achieve the communicative purpose.
However, due to the ambiguity of the Chinese language, some of the examples possess features of more than one vocabulary category. And since the paper only focuses on the vocabulary of Chinese characteristics in Report on the Work of the Government 2023, it is possible that more functional categories are left out.
Since the emphasis of the translation field has shifted from" how to translate" to "why is the text translated like that", it is hoped that interpretation from the functional perspective provides some inspiration for more interpretations from different theoretical perspectives in the field of the English translation of the Report. And research in this field ought not to be limited to the vocabulary of Chinese characteristics, for other elements in the Report, such as sentence structures, discourse logic and prescriptive expressions, have yet to be analyzed.
The advancement in the interpretation of translation practice will hopefully guide translators to produce a more accurate and vivid English presentation of the Report. With a better English presentation of the Report, international readers will be better informed about the image and development outlook of China in the new era. Through such successful communication, the role of translation in cross-culture communication is fulfilled.