On the English Translation of Culture-Loaded Words in Tourist Texts in Light of Skopos Theory: A Case Study of Attractions in Nanjing

Tourist texts, serving as an essential introduction, carry crucial importance in the tourist industry and bridge the gap between Chinese culture and visitors. Therefore, to facilitate foreign visitors to obtain a comprehensive grasp of local culture, the English translation of tourist texts, especially those culture-loaded words inside, should be prioritised. Prior studies on translations of cultural terminologies in tourism offer a range of strategies and methodologies. Yet Chinese cultural connotation is intricate and implicit due to its various formation processes, complicating the search for appropriate English equivalents. Instructed by Skopos Theory, the study collects culture-loaded words regarding three prominent tourist attractions in Nanjing, namely Nanjing Museum, Imperial Examination Museum of China, and Nanjing Presidential Palace. The research examines the implementation of three translation principles of skopos rule, coherence rule, and fidelity rule. Findings reveal that many translations fall short of expectations, primarily due to deviations from these principles. The research evaluates the current translation version, identifies key issues, and provides systematic recommendations for further modification. Working as a reference for translating tourism materials, this study also lays the foundations for further tourist translation research.