Exploration of Schema in Business English Translation

Abstract

Translators as the first readers serve as a bridge between the source language and target language. Translation is an important ability of language application and an important way for people to acquire information. Nowadays, since the business communication among countries becomes more and more frequent, to get business information also becomes increasingly important. Schema theory is a theory that cognitive psychologists use to explain the psychological process of understanding. According to the schema theory, to make full use of schemata—background knowledge that one has can promote the understanding, which can be applied to Business English translation. As to the features of Business English translation, the activation, construction, and extension of the appropriate schemata can enhance the translators’ translation ability.