This paper aims to give some information about common translation theories, introduce the general features and functions of film titles, put forward the principles and methods of translating English film titles, explore the different methods of translating which lead to the persity of translated versions, and give the learners certain recommendations to understand more about the translation of English film titles.

II. Theoretical Bases

2.1 Nida’s Functional Equivalence

Eugene A. Nida bears a high reputation in translation circles. His theory attaches great importance to the effect of the information that covers the fidelity of the original context and the feeling of the readers or spectator. In other words, his theory puts readership satisfaction first. The main contribution of Nida to contemporary translation studies is “Dynamic equivalence” and “Functional equivalence”. The first theory was first proposed in Toward a Science of Translating, and this theory is the most important part in Nida’s translation theory. “Dynamic equivalence” was used until the mid-1980s, then “Functional equivalence” took the place of the first theory, and then this theory has developed very fast. Nida was pided the theory into two gradations: the minimal level is that the readers could adequate understanding the key point of the original, the maximal level is regarded as the supremacy of translation, which demand the translated version must be understood and appreciated originally, In addition, people cannot alter the original expression of author. The maximal level of functional equivalence has no aesthetic value; whereas the minimal level is realistic and a translation below this level is unacceptable.

His functional theory is very beneficial to the translation studies of culture. It is impossible to dissociate language from culture. Therefore, culture of all the nations would not be possible to form and flourish without language. If you do not have adequate knowledge of the two cultures, you cannot translate from one language into another satisfactorily. In his book of Language and Culture--Contexts in Translating, functional equivalence also refers to culture, which exerts a profound influence on adjustment of translation procedures. He argues, translation shall aim at “complete naturalness of expression, and tries to relate the receptor to modes of behavior relevant within the context of his own culture” (Nida 2004: 95). Therefore, the translator must not only keep a watchful eye on syntactical structure but the role of culture, for “the cultural contexts of words are the keys to understanding the meanings of texts” (Nida 1998: 4).