A Century of Chinese Literature in Translation (1919-2019): English Publication and Reception

This book explores the Chinese literary translation landscape over the last century, covering critical historical periods like the Cultural Revolution. Contributors from various angles provide an overview of translation phenomena, trends, and history, exploring the relationship between translators and other agents, texts and readers, and literary migration. It benefits academics and researchers in translation studies and the greater China region, stimulating discussions and inspiring innovation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book explores the rich tapestry of Chinese literary translation across the past century, delving into critical historical periods such as the Cultural Revolution in the greater China region. Contributors from diverse corners of the world approach this theme from various perspectives, offering a comprehensive overview of translation phenomena at pivotal junctures, identifying trends in translation and publication, unearthing the translation history of significant works, elucidating the interplay between translators and other agents, articulating the interaction between texts and readers, and shedding light on the nature of literary migration from Chinese to English.

With a focus on benefiting both academics of translation studies from a predominantly Anglophone culture and researchers in the greater China region, this volume strives to provide valuable insights and knowledge. Chinese scholars of translation studies will not only find this book a valuable reference, but also gain a deeper understanding of the contrasts, confluences, and communication between academics worldwide, fostering stimulating, inspiring, and transformative discussions within the field.

The book is organized into several chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of Chinese literary translation. The first chapter provides an historical overview of the translation landscape in China, tracing the development of translation practices and the emergence of translation theories over the centuries. The second chapter explores the challenges and opportunities faced by translators in translating Chinese literature into English, discussing the strategies and techniques employed to convey the essence of Chinese texts to a Western audience.

The third chapter delves into the translation history of specific works, examining the processes and decisions involved in translating canonical Chinese literature into English. The fourth chapter explores the role of translators in shaping the reception of Chinese literature in the West, discussing the impact of translation on the interpretation and appreciation of Chinese works by non-Chinese readers. The fifth chapter examines the relationship between translators and other agents involved in the production and dissemination of Chinese literature, such as publishers, editors, and cultural brokers.

The sixth chapter explores the interaction between texts and readers, discussing the ways in which translation affects the reading experience and the ways in which readers engage with translated works. The seventh chapter examines the nature of literary migration, exploring the processes and factors that contribute to the movement of Chinese literature from China to other parts of the world.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Chinese literary translation across the past century, providing valuable insights into the complex processes and dynamics involved in translating Chinese literature into English. It will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and translators alike, as it contributes to our understanding of the global exchange of cultural ideas and the role of translation in shaping our understanding of the world.

Weight: 367g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367548018