Functional Equivalence in Science Fiction: Translating Culture-Loaded Words in The Three-Body Problem

The Three-Body Problem is a science fiction novel rich in historical and cultural elements, gaining substantial international attention and positively contributing to the dissemination of Chinese culture. This study aimed to examine the culture-loaded words (CLW) in The Three-Body Problem and analyze their translation methods. Using a stratified sampling methodology, the research identified the characteristics of the CLW and evaluated their translations under the guidance of functional equivalence theory in terms of communicative, meaning, and emotional equivalence. The findings revealed that the translation of CLW largely achieved communicative equivalence, though occasional inadequacies in meaning and emotional equivalence arose due to meaning weakening and compensation. Regarding translation methods, the translator mainly used free translation to ensure accessibility. Meanwhile, literal translation and combined translation method were applied to preserve cultural characteristics and enhance information transfer. This study examined how functional equivalence could be achieved in translating CLW in The Three-Body Problem. It identified key translation methods that maintained cultural nuances and enhanced the accuracy of cultural representation, thus improving the understanding of Chinese science fiction in international contexts.