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Spread abroad of Jin-ku-qi-guan: a case of Translated into English Text in Nineteenth Century
Journal of Chinese Language and Literature
2020, (83),
pp.211-235
DOI :10.15792/clsyn..83.202004.211
Publisher : Chinese Literary Society Of Yeong Nam
Research Area : Chinese Language and Literature
DOI :10.15792/clsyn..83.202004.211
Publisher : Chinese Literary Society Of Yeong Nam
Research Area : Chinese Language and Literature
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This study examines propagation aspects of Jin-ku-qi-guan, or Wonders old and new in English-language zone. Using three translated text published in nineteenth century as a research subject, this will consider in detail the context, motivation, purpose and method of translated text. The first translated text is The Affectionate Pair, or the History of Sung-kin translated by P. P. Thoms, published at London BKPA in 1820. The second text is Wang Keaou Lwan pĭh nëen chang hăn, or The Lasting Resentment of Miss Keaou Lwan Wang translated by Sloth, published at Canton Press Office in 1839. The third text is The Casket of Gems translated by Samuel Birch, published at The Office of the Phoenix in London in 1872. All of these three translated text were direct translations of the Chinese text. Respecting the Chinese source text, the literal translation method was used as the principle. But due to cultural differences, semantic translation sometimes also was taken. Starting with a desire to learn and understand Chinese life and culture, Western translators did not alter the Chinese source text to suit Western readers' tastes or to improve readability. However, due to the lack of under- standing of the unique narrative of Chinese novels, its narrative features were not well carried. Thus these text was accepted in the similarity with Romance and tragedy of the West. In fact, Western translators and readers had a stronger purpose of using it as a means of obtaining information about Chinese people and Chinese culture.
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