Medio-translatology: Concepts and Applications

Medio-translatology combines comparative literature with translation studies and has been influential in Chinese Translation Studies since the 1990s. This book explores the development and theoretical tenets of Medio-translatology, with case analyses of translations by different translators. It is the first and only edited book on Medio-translatology written in English, providing a window into contemporary translation studies in China.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book delves into the realm of Medio-translatology, a groundbreaking theory proposed by Professor Tianzhen Xie. This innovative approach seamlessly blends comparative literature with translation studies, offering a rich and multifaceted perspective on the translation process. Since its emergence in the 1990s, Medio-translatology has exerted a profound influence on Chinese Translation Studies, sparking intense debates and yielding numerous practical applications in the analysis of translation as both an activity and a product. Comprising ten chapters authored by esteemed scholars in this field, this comprehensive volume elucidates the evolution and fundamental theoretical principles of Medio-translatology in the first part. In the second part, it showcases the practical application of the theory through a series of case studies examining translations by various translators. As the first and sole edited book on Medio-translatology written in English, this volume serves as a valuable gateway into contemporary translation studies in China, providing insights into the dynamic and evolving landscape of translation practices.

Introduction:
Medio-translatology, a theory proposed by Professor Tianzhen Xie, is a groundbreaking approach that combines comparative literature with translation studies. Since its emergence in the 1990s, this theory has had a significant impact on Chinese Translation Studies, sparking intense debates and yielding numerous practical applications in the analysis of translation as both an activity and a product. In this book, we will explore the development and main theoretical tenets of Medio-translatology, as well as demonstrate its application through a series of case studies examining translations by different translators.
Development and Theoretical Tenets:
The first part of the book delves into the development and theoretical foundations of Medio-translatology. Professor Xie introduces the concept of "mediation," which refers to the process by which translators negotiate between different cultural and linguistic contexts. He emphasizes the importance of considering the social, historical, and cultural factors that shape the translation process and the role that translators play in mediating between different cultures.
One of the key theoretical tenets of Medio-translatology is the idea of "hybridity." This concept refers to the blending of different cultural elements and linguistic styles in the translation process. Translators are encouraged to embrace hybridity and to create translations that are both faithful to the source text and accessible to the target audience. Hybridity allows translators to draw on their own cultural backgrounds and linguistic expertise to create translations that are culturally relevant and linguistically effective.
Another important theoretical tenet of Medio-translatology is the concept of "translational autonomy." This concept emphasizes the importance of translators having the freedom to make creative decisions in the translation process. Translators are not bound by strict rules or guidelines but are instead encouraged to use their own judgment and expertise to create translations that are true to the spirit of the source text.
Case Studies:
The second part of the book showcases the application of Medio-translatology through a series of case studies examining translations by different translators. These case studies cover a wide range of genres, including literature, film, and journalism, and demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of the theory.
One of the case studies examines the translation of a novel by a Chinese author into English. The translator faced numerous challenges, including the differences in cultural norms, linguistic conventions, and literary styles between the two cultures. Through the application of Medio-translatology, the translator was able to create a translation that was both faithful to the source text and accessible to an English-speaking audience.
Another case study examines the translation of a film from Chinese into English. The translator faced challenges such as the differences in visual language, narrative structure, and cultural references between the two cultures. By applying Medio-translatology, the translator was able to create a translation that was both visually compelling and culturally relevant to an English-speaking audience.
In conclusion, Medio-translatology is a groundbreaking theory that has transformed the way we understand translation. By blending comparative literature with translation studies, this theory offers a rich and multifaceted perspective on the translation process. Through the application of Medio-translatology, translators are able to create translations that are both faithful to the source text and accessible to the target audience. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the development and theoretical tenets of Medio-translatology, as well as showcases its practical application through a series of case studies examining translations by different translators. As the first and sole edited book on Medio-translatology written in English, this volume serves as a valuable gateway into contemporary translation studies in China, providing insights into the dynamic and evolving landscape of translation practices.

Weight: 267g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811909979
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022