The Making of Barbarians: Chinese Literature and Multilingual Asia

The Making of Barbarians is a groundbreaking account of translation and identity in the Chinese literary tradition before 1850, with important ramifications for today. It investigates the meanings of literary translation, adaptation, and appropriation on the boundaries of China long before it came into sustained contact with the West. The book explores why translation was such an undervalued practice in premodern China and how this vast and prestigious culture dealt with those outside it before a new group of foreigners—Europeans—appeared on the horizon.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

A groundbreaking exploration of translation and identity in the Chinese literary tradition before 1850, with profound implications for our contemporary world

Debates surrounding the canon, multiculturalism, and world literature frequently target Eurocentrism as their subject of critique. However, the realm of literature is vast, with numerous centers, one of which is China.

The Making of Barbarians presents a unique perspective on world literature, where China assumes a central role and generates its own margins. In this insightful work, Sinologist and comparatist Haun Saussy delves into the profound meanings of literary translation, adaptation, and appropriation on the boundaries of China, long before it established sustained contact with the West.

When scholars engage in comparative literature in Asia, their focus often revolves around translation between European languages and Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, a practice that has flourished since approximately 1900. In contrast, Saussy's research centers on the pre-1850 period, a time when the translation of foreign works into Chinese was relatively rare due to the dominance of Chinese literary tradition.

The Making of Barbarians takes a close look at literary works that were translated into Chinese from foreign languages or emerged from interactions with alien peoples. The book explores the undervalued practice of translation in premodern China and examines how this vast and prestigious culture dealt with those outside its borders before the arrival of a new group of foreigners—Europeans—on the horizon.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Saussy sheds light on the complex dynamics of translation, cultural exchange, and identity formation in pre-modern China. He challenges prevailing narratives and offers fresh insights into the ways in which literature and culture interact, transcending geographical and temporal boundaries.

The Making of Barbarians is a valuable contribution to the field of comparative literature and provides a rich understanding of the complex interplay between translation, identity, and cultural heritage. It offers valuable insights into the ways in which different cultures negotiate and interpret each other, and how literature can serve as a bridge between diverse communities.

In conclusion, The Making of Barbarians is a groundbreaking exploration of translation and identity in the Chinese literary tradition before 1850. By examining the undervalued practice of translation and the complex interactions between different cultures, Saussy offers a fresh perspective on world literature and its significance in shaping our contemporary world. This book is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and the power of literature to transcend boundaries.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 146 x 223 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691231976