The Bloomsbury Handbook of Modern Chinese Literature in Translation

The Bloomsbury Handbook of Modern Chinese Literature in Translation provides a systematic overview of modern and contemporary Chinese literature from a translation studies perspective, offering new tools for reading and appreciating literature in the global context of its translation. It is essential reading for anyone studying or researching Chinese literature in translation.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 472 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Modern and contemporary Chinese literature has been gaining increasing attention in recent years, with scholars and readers alike recognizing its significance in the global literary landscape. However, the study of Chinese literature in English translation has often been limited to a narrow focus on linguistic and cultural transfer, with little attention paid to the broader social and historical contexts in which these works were produced. This handbook seeks to address this pedagogical lack by providing a comprehensive overview of modern and contemporary Chinese literature in translation, organized in a tripartite structure around considerations of textual, social, and large-scale spatial and historical circumstances.

The handbook features thirty plus essays that each deal with a theme of translation studies, as emerged from the translation of one or more Chinese literary works. These essays offer new tools for reading and appreciating modern and contemporary Chinese literature in the global context of its translation, providing in-depth studies about eminent Chinese authors and their literary masterpieces in translation.

One of the key strengths of the handbook is its interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from literary studies, cultural studies, and translation studies. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between language, culture, and literature, and how these relationships are shaped by the processes of translation.

The essays in the handbook cover a wide range of literary genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, and essay, and explore a variety of themes, including gender, sexuality, nationalism, and globalization. They also examine the impact of translation on the reception and interpretation of Chinese literature in the West, and the ways in which Chinese literature has influenced Western literature and culture.

One of the most notable features of the handbook is its emphasis on the importance of cultural context in the translation of Chinese literature. The essays highlight the ways in which cultural differences can shape the interpretation of literary works, and how translators must navigate these differences to produce accurate and meaningful translations. They also explore the ways in which translators can use their own cultural knowledge and expertise to enhance the translation process and create a more authentic reading experience for readers.

Another important aspect of the handbook is its attention to the historical and political contexts in which Chinese literature was produced. The essays explore the ways in which political and social upheavals have influenced the writing and reception of Chinese literature, and how these works have been used as tools for resistance and social change. They also examine the ways in which Chinese literature has been translated and disseminated in different parts of the world, and the impact of these translations on the global literary landscape.

In addition to its academic value, the handbook is also accessible to a wide range of readers. It includes a glossary of key terms and concepts, as well as a bibliography of recommended readings. The essays are written in a clear and engaging style, and are accompanied by illustrations and photographs that help to bring the literary works to life.

Overall, the Bloomsbury Handbook of Modern Chinese Literature in Translation is a significant contribution to the field of translation studies and Chinese literature. It provides a comprehensive overview of modern and contemporary Chinese literature in translation, and offers new tools for reading and appreciating these works in the global context of their translation. Whether you are a student, researcher, or teacher, this handbook is essential reading for anyone interested in the study of Chinese literature in translation.

Weight: 922g
Dimension: 246 x 189 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350215306