Optimizing Bilingual Sports Commentary under the Guidance of Functional Equivalence Approach

Abstract

This paper explores the application of functional equivalence theory in enhancing bilingual sports commentary, with a focus on Chinese and English languages. By analyzing commentary from various sports events, including the F1 British Grand Prix, NBA games, FIFA World Cup matches, and League of Legends World Championships, the study identifies key differences and areas for improvement in both language commentaries. Chinese commentary often suffers from clarity issues due to excessive commentators and informal language, while English commentary lacks cultural and idiomatic richness. The research demonstrates that integrating functional equivalence theory can significantly improve the quality of sports commentary by ensuring that it is culturally and linguistically tailored to the audience's experience. This approach not only provides a richer viewer experience but also bridges the gap between different linguistic audiences, maintaining the excitement and context of the sports event.