Crossing Borders: Sinology in Translation Studies

This edited volume explores translations from Chinese to Western languages from the 17th to the 20th centuries, covering literary Chinese to English, Latin, French, Italian, and the Naxi script. It presents translation as a key element in world history, worthy of further interdisciplinary investigation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2022
Publisher: The Chinese University Press

This edited volume delves into the intricate realm of translations from the languages of China into Western societies, spanning from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Rather than limiting itself to the act of translation, the authors broaden their scope to encompass the diverse contexts in which the translators operated, shedding light on various aspects of their institutional and intellectual backgrounds. The majority of the contributions in this volume focus on the translation of literary Chinese into English, while also exploring Latin, French, and Italian translations. Additionally, the challenges of translating the Naxi script are addressed, and the broader context of Chinese translations into other languages is explored through a survey of recent Japanese translation series. Throughout the volume, translation is portrayed as a vital component of world history, deserving of extensive interdisciplinary exploration.

Introduction:
The study of translation has long been a captivating field of inquiry, exploring the intricate interplay between different cultures and languages. Translations have the power to bridge gaps, facilitate communication, and preserve cultural heritage. This edited volume takes a unique approach by examining translations from the languages of China into Western societies, a phenomenon that has played a significant role in shaping global history.

Theoretical Frameworks:
The volume employs a range of theoretical frameworks to analyze the translations. These frameworks include interculturalism, postcolonialism, and cultural studies, which provide valuable insights into the complexities of cultural translation. By employing these frameworks, the authors aim to shed light on the ways in which translators negotiate the cultural differences between the source and target languages, as well as the impact of these translations on the wider society.

Translation Studies:
The contributions in this volume cover a wide range of topics within translation studies. Some studies focus on the historical development of Chinese-English translation, exploring the various strategies and techniques used by translators over time. Other studies examine the role of translation in shaping cultural identities and ideologies, particularly in the context of colonialism and imperialism.

Literary Translation:
Literary translation is a central theme of the volume, with a particular emphasis on the translation of Chinese literature into English. The authors explore the challenges and complexities involved in translating works of poetry, fiction, and philosophy from Chinese into English, as well as the impact of these translations on the reception and understanding of Chinese literature in Western societies.

Translations from Other Languages:
In addition to Chinese, the volume also includes translations from Latin, French, and Italian. These translations provide valuable insights into the historical relationships between different linguistic and cultural traditions, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by cross-linguistic translation. The authors examine the ways in which translators have adapted their approaches to accommodate the unique linguistic and cultural features of these languages.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this edited volume offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of translations from the languages of China into Western societies. By examining the various perspectives and approaches taken by the authors, the volume provides valuable insights into the complexities of cultural translation and its impact on global history. The volume is a must-read for scholars and students of translation studies, as well as anyone interested in the broader field of cultural studies.

Dimension: 23 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789882371774