English Abstracts of Major Papers

Translation Poetics and Poetic Translation 

By WANG Dongfeng (Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, China & Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China) p.5

Abstract: Based on an introduction to the role and position of poetics in literary research, this paper calls for the application of its disciplinary perspective and methodology to the practice and studies of literary translation as well. Since the poetic function is literary works' primary function, and since the realization of such a function depends on the literariness generated through defamiliarized expressions, literary translation should also give priority to the realization of the original text's poetic function so as to maximally preserve the text's aesthetic characteristics, effects and values. It follows that great importance should be attached in literary translation studies to describing, analyzing and exploring the gains and losses of the literariness in the process of translation, and persistent efforts should be made to help translators of literary works develop their poetic sensitivity. To this end, introducing a poetic methodology into literary translation studies and establishing a systematic Translation Poetics are necessary. 

Keywords: poetics; translation poetics; poetic translation

The Evolvement of the Historiography of Chinese Translation Theories: A Centenary Review

By HUANG Zhonglian & FEI Zhouying (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China) p.17

Abstract: The study of the history of Chinese translation theories, which originated about one hundred yearsa go, has become increasingly popular in the past four decades. This paper traces the development trajectory of the study by drawing on the existing literature and finds out that the historiographical investigation into Chinese translation theories is capable of being divided in stages characterized by distinctive empirical features and growing theoretical sophistication, and that a project to modernize traditional translation theories has been proceeding steadily at the present time. The attempt at reinterpreting Chinese translation theories for contemporary uses has both facilitated the innovation of contemporary translation theories and added to the popularity of interdisciplinary research paradigms. In line with these efforts, "taking the local culture as the foundation and Western translation theories as references" has gradually been adopted as a guiding principle in contemporary Chinese theorization of translation. 

Keywords: Chinese translation theories; history; century; trajectory 

Toward the Formation and Development of a More Universal Norm of  Translation Ethics

By HU Zuoyou & PENG Jiuzhou (Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China) p.26

Abstract: Translation ethics was first theorized in the West by Antoine Berman, and it has been developed by Lawrence Venuti, Andrew Chesterman, Anthony Pym and Douglas Robinson. Translation-related ethical theories have exerted a great influence on Chinese translators since they were introduced into China, and they have also become a focus of research in China's translation studies. Lately, however, the interest of Chinese translation scholars has gradually shifted from their introduction, imitation and application to reflections on, and criticism or even deconstruction of those theories. This paper subjects the imported Western theories of translation ethics to a fresh examination, identifying tendencies toward over-simplification, excessiveness, idealization, fuzziness and arbitrariness as their major defects, and arguing that only by being genuinely transplanted into China's cultural context can these theories guide the solution of the ethical problems actually encountered by Chinese practitioners of translation and thus contribute to the formation and development of a more effective and universal norm of translation ethics. 

Keywords: Western translation ethics; heterogeneity; professional ethics; translatology; China

National Translation Technology Capacity: Concept, Elements and Main  Features 

By WANG Huashu (Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing, China) p.35 

Abstract: This paper takes a close look at National Translation Technology Capability (NTTC), a new concept in translation studies, by identifying its constituent elements and defining its main features. Since NTTC is of obvious strategic importance to National Translation Practice (NTP), especially in the era of artificial intelligence, the paper goes on to argue that carrying out the study of NTTC and strengthening its construction would add significantly to the enrichment of contemporary translation theories and facilitate the innovation and development of National Translation Capacity (NTC) and NTP in the new era. 

Keywords: NTC; NTTC; concept; elements; main features

Historically Contextualized Self-consciousness of Translation: Georges Margouliès and His Le Kou-Wen chinois 

By TANG Duo (Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China) p.44 

Abstract: Georges Margouliès, translator and compiler of the first anthology of Chinese classical prose in  French Le Kou-Wen chinois, is also the only French sinologist in the first half of the 20th century whose  research focused on classical Chinese essays. Based on a reexamination of Le Kou-Wen chinois and other authentic first-hand references, this paper looks into the self-consciousness of translation that informs his works, identifying manifestations of the translator's self-awareness in his selection of source texts, his  tendency to adopt a literal approach to translating, the functions his translated texts are meant to perform, and the literary and social values held in his anthology. The study is expected to shed some useful light on how Chinese prose could be effectively translated for non-Chinese readers. 

Keywords: French sinology; Le Kou-Wen chinois; Georges Margouliès; historical context; translation  function

English Translation of Zhu Xi's Philosophical Works in the First Half of 20th Century 

By TIAN Sha (Central South University, Changsha, China) p.52 

Abstract: The English translation of Zhu Xi's philosophical works entered its second phase without fanfare in the first half of the 20th century, when the West was in the grip of a cultural crisis. The new phase features a concerted effort to render Zhu Xi within a Western philosophical framework, with the geyi (格义, construal of the other from the self's point of view) of li (理, the central concept of Zhu Xi's thought) as its focus. Following an in-depth discussion of geyi's theoretical connotations, this paper offers a review of li's renditions and interpretations by early and mid-20th century Western translators such as Bruce, Bodde, Hocking, and Needham, in a bid to put the current spreading of Zhu Xi's thought overseas in perspective. 

Keywords: li; Zhu Xi's thought; English translation; geyi;  Western philosophical discourse

Overseas Co-translation of Contemporary Chinese Literature and the  Construction of CoP: A Case Study of Paper Republic 

By LU Jing (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai, China) p.62 

Abstract: The steadily growing number of overseas translators of contemporary Chinese literature  points both to a gradual ascension of community collaboration as the mode of literary translation and the continuous social expansion of co-translating agency. In view of such a development, this paper traces the evolution of Paper Republic from a translators' blog website to a CoP by focusing on how its typical participants get themselves involved in social co-translation. Within an analytical framework constructed of this community's three defining features, the author throws light on Paper Republic as a functional CoP and  calls for the promotion of co-translation as an approach to disseminating contemporary Chinese literature abroad.  

Keywords: co-translation; contemporary Chinese literature; community of practice; Paper Republic 

Ecological Paradigm-based Ideological and Political Education for Majors in Translation and Interpreting

By YANG Zhiting (Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing, China) p.71 

Abstract: In its pursuit of ecological balance, the eco-paradigm has laid an ethical foundation for the harmonious development between humans and the society. It should therefore serve as a key underpinning of the ideological and political education being offered to China's college majors in translation and interpreting, since the aim of such an education is precisely to build up an ecological community conducive to the students' development in an all-round manner. The politico-ideological courses consistent with the ecological mode in translation education should commit themselves to developing the students' moral character, encouraging them to identify and internalize rational values endorsed by ecological ethics, and inspiring them to maintain a harmonious balance between conventionality and individuality in their professional practices.  

Keywords: eco-paradigm; translation and interpreting major; ideological and political education; isomorphic development toward same direction; moral cultivation through ideological translation  

The Teaching of Legal Translation from the Perspective of National  Translation Capacity 

By ZHANG Falian (China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China) p.78 

Abstract: As a constituent element of the legal system developed within the political framework of  socialism with Chinese characteristics, China's national legal translation capacity determines the efficacy of how it communicates internationally its practice of the rule of law. To develop such a capacity in a scientific and professional way, the teaching of legal English in China's colleges and universities should set great store by legal translation. Only by fully incorporating elements constitutive of legal translation capacity into the curriculum design, adjusting the teaching methods and optimizing the faculty's knowledge structure accordingly, and improving the reliability and validity of translation capacity tests as well, can China bring up legal translation talents, enhance its national translation capacity, and effectively tell the stories internationally of its implementation of rule of law. 

Keywords: national legal translation capacity; legal translation teaching; legal English; rule of law  communication