译本是翻译研究的重要研究对象,是读者了解他国文学与文化的直接途径。《三国演义》拥有二百多年的英译史,英译形式丰富,不同的译本形式有着不同的译本功能。节译本重在对核心人物的刻画与重点情节的叙事;全译本更加关注对《三国演义》历史风貌与文学价值的系统展现;编译本旨在传播《三国演义》文化;缩译本体现出对当代读者的迎合。分析《三国演义》英译本的不同译本形式及其功能,有助于了解和把握译本形式与功能之间的关系,在对外译介《三国演义》、绍介三国知识时选择合适的译本形式。

Translations are an essential object of the study of translation and a straightforward path for readers to gain an understanding of the literature and culture of other nations. Sanguoyanyi has been translated into English over two centuries, and its English translation takes on a variety of forms, each serving a unique function. The abridged translation puts emphasis on the portrayal of the core characters and the narrative of the key episodes; the full translation pays more attention to the systematic presentation of the history and literary values of the original text; the compilative translation aims at the dissemination of the culture of the Three Kingdoms; the condensed translation demonstrates the catering to contemporary readers. Analysis of the different translation forms of the English translation of Sanguoyanyi and their functions help to grasp the relationship between translation forms and functions. It also contributes to choosing the appropriate translation form for translating and introducing the culture of the Three Kingdoms to foreign countries.