Author(s)

Luning Zhan ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China

Corresponding Author

Luning Zhan

ABSTRACT

Based on Katharina Reiss's text typology theory—a cornerstone of German functionalist translation theory—this paper conducts an in-depth exploration of translation strategies for speech texts. Characterized by unique communicative purposes, strong emotional resonance, and specific contextual features, speech texts present considerable complexity and particularity in translation practice. Using Malala Yousafzai's renowned speech, "Books and Pens Are the Most Powerful Weapons," delivered at the UN Youth Assembly, as a case study, the paper first classifies its text type according to Reiss's framework. It analyses the manifestations of the informational, expressive, and operative functions at different levels and identifies the dominant functions. The paper finds that while Malala's speech conveys information, its core lies in moving the audience through personal narrative and emotional expression (expressive function) and ultimately inspiring them to take action or change attitudes (operative function), establishing the expressive and operative functions as dominant. Based on this typological classification, the paper further investigates how to select and apply corresponding translation strategies to maximally preserve the original text's emotional impact, persuasive power, and call-to-action effect. This paper aims to provide theoretical guidance and strategic reference for translating speech texts, enrich the application of Reiss's text typology theory to specific text types, and critically examine the applicability and limitations of the theory in practical contexts.

KEYWORDS

Reiss's Text Typology Theory; Speech Texts; Translation Strategies; Malala Yousafzai

CITE THIS PAPER

Luning Zhan, A Study on Translation Strategies for Speech Texts Based on Reiss's Text Typology Theory—Taking Malala Yousafzai's Speech at the United Nations Youth Assembly as an Example. Lecture Notes on Language and Literature (2025) Vol. 8: 120-127. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/langl.2025.080319.

REFERENCES

[1] Xiu Wenqiao, Qiu Zhouhui. Translation of Energy Reports under the Guidance of Reiss's Text Typology Theory - A Case Study of World Energy Investment 2022[J]. Chinese Science & Technology Translators Journal, 2024, 37(4):24-27.
[2] Xia Xinyi. Report on Translation Practice of United Nations Documents from the Perspective of Reiss's Text Typology Theory [D]. Soochow University, 2021.
[3] Liang Yong. A Study on Translation Errors and Strategies of Speech Texts[J]. Journal of Huainan Normal University, 2018, 20(4):4.
[4] Li Ya. A Simulated Interpreting Practice Report on Malala's Speech at the United Nations Youth Assembly [D]. Yangzhou University, 2017. 
[5] Zeng Peiyu. A Study on the Translation of Political Speech Texts from the Perspective of Text Typology Theory[J]. Overseas English, 2019, (07):117-118.

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