Translation of Cosmetics Instructions from the Perspective of Skopos Theory

Authors

  • Liping Fu
  • Juan Dong

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/vg9h6p69

Keywords:

Cosmetic Instruction, Skopos Theory, Translation Strategies

Abstract

Cosmetics constitute a significant segment of global trade and many international brands enter the Chinese market. However, the translation of cosmetics instructions has been overlooked, and there is a general lack of theoretical guidance among translators, resulting in substandard Chinese translations of such materials. The paper aims to analyze features of cosmetics instructions and discuss the necessity of introducing Skopos Theory, particularly its three core principles: the skopos rule, the coherence rule and the fidelity rule, to the translation of cosmetics instructions.  The applicability of Skopos Theory is examined from both theoretical and practical perspectives, demonstrating its suitability as a comprehensive framework for guiding cosmetics instruction translation. And it is hoped that this study will encourage more translators to adopt Skopos Theory in this specialized field, enhancing their understanding of translation theories and contributing to the production of higher-quality cosmetics instruction translations.

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References

[1] Collins Dictionary. (2023). Cosmetics. In Collins English Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/cosmetics

[2] Collins Dictionary. (2023). Instruction. In Collins English Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/instruction

[3] Dong, J. J., & Gao, W. H. (2025). A study on E-C translation of cosmetics instructions from the perspective of Skopos Theory. Overseas English, 26(6), 19-21.

[4] Huang, X. Y. (2023). A Study on E-C Translation of Cosmetics Instructions from the Perspective of Skopos Theory [Master's thesis]. Jilin University, Changchun, China.

[5] Li, Y., & Dong, H. L. (2024). A study on E-C translation of advertising slogans from the perspective of Skopos Theory. Media Forum, 7(19), 104-106.

[6] Nord, C. (2001). Translating as a purposeful activity: Functionalist approaches explained. Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press: Shanghai, China.

[7] Vermeer, H. J. (2001). A framework for a general theory of translation (Original work published 1989 by Routledge: London, UK). Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press: Shanghai, China.

[8] Vermeer, H. J. (2012). Skopos and commission in translation theory. In L. Venuti (Ed.), The Translation Studies Reader (4th ed., pp. 219-230). Routledge: London, UK.

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Published

23 December 2025

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Fu, L., & Dong, J. (2025). Translation of Cosmetics Instructions from the Perspective of Skopos Theory. International Journal of Education and Humanities, 21(3), 45-48. https://doi.org/10.54097/vg9h6p69