Translation Studies

This book first gives a brief introduction to the major theoretical achievements on retranslation made in the West. Then the history of Chinese classics (re)translation is presented. And on the basis of Western retranslation theories two case studies have been carried out. Four translations of Lun Yu (The Analects) and three translations of Hong Lou Meng (The Dream of the Red Chamber) are selected to make a diachronic and synchronic descriptive-comparative study. The findings show that the translators employ different translating strategies to achieve their own purposes and that some of the translations are popular with the target readers even though they are not faithful to the original. Finally the possible approaches to the translation of Chinese classics are explored in order to advance the successful and effective globalization of Chinese culture.