English Abstracts of Major Papers

A Tripartite Scheme for Semantically Framing Translation Criticism 

By ZHOU Lingshun (Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China) p. 5 

Abstract: Drawing on theoretical insights offered by frame semantics and by Holmes’ conception of translation studies as well, this article proposes that the general framework of translation criticism be semantically divided into three sub-frames, namely, the text-oriented, the behavior-oriented and the effect-oriented criticism. Following a detailed account of the core elements of each sub-frame, the boundaries between these frames, and the way the  sub-frames contribute to the definition of translation criticism’s general semantic frame, the article argues that such a scheme is helpful for both the theoretical construction and the actual operation of translation criticism, holding out the promise of rendering the criticism more comprehensive, objective and scientific.  

Keywords: frame semantics; translator behavior criticism; frame of translation criticism; interdisciplinary;  theoretical construction 

Three Approaches to Investigating the Effect of Translation Criticism 

By LI Jinshu (Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing, China) p. 14 

Abstract: The effect of translation criticism refers to the influences translation criticism activities exert. Its research aims essentially to discover the value of translation criticism. While translation scholars in general have shown a keen interest in studying the values of translation, not much attention has as yet been turned to investigating the effect of translation criticism. To address the discrepancy, this paper subjects some real-life cases of translation criticism to a close examination and, on the basis of this study, proposes three approaches to investigating the effect of translation criticism, namely, the textually-oriented approach, the policy-focused approach and the culturally-informed approach. The paper argues that taking these approaches to studying the effect of translation criticism could help to disclose the positive significance of criticism in improving translation quality, optimizing translation theory and facilitating the development of translation discipline in general. It also throws light on the general role played by criticism in enriching social and cultural life and thus heightens people’s awareness of the value of critical practices in the realm of translation. 

Keywords: translation criticism; effect of translation criticism; textual effect; policy effect; cultural effect 

Towards a Multi-dimensional Construction of Translation Criticism 

By HU Zuoyou (Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China) & CHANG Xiaozhu (Soochow  University, Suzhou, China) p. 22 

Abstract: Serving as a crucial bridge between translation practice and theory, translation criticism plays a pivotal role in the development of translation studies. To ensure an integration of theory and practice, a well-constructed model of translation criticism should first of all be theoretically informed. Only when they are theoretically guided can the operations of translation criticism become rigorous and credible. Such a model must next be axiologically enhanced so as to properly restrain the translators’ actions, assure the quality of translated works, build up readers’ interest, and perform its own overall function of fostering cultural exchanges. Since each era tends to have its unique disposition, the model should also be emotively in tune with the temper of the times and the prevailing sentiments. And as a component of translation studies, this model of criticism must not just build itself on the conceptual assumptions of the discipline as a whole but strive to become interdisciplinary in its scope and perspective. 

Keywords: translation criticism; model; construction; translation studies; disciplinary assumptions 

Focal Issues in Current Development of Literary Translation Criticism in China 

By TAN Yesheng (Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China) p. 28 

Abstract: The urgency of the task to promote Chinese literature and culture abroad should caution against making harsh criticism of what translators involved have been producing, for critical excesses tend to divert attention away from the real problems and thus to make it difficult to find their solutions. Of the many issues plaguing China’s field of literary translation criticism right now, three deserve our closest attention because they relate centrally to the controversy over translators’ subjectivity. These are the issue of universalism in the context of globalization; of domestication versus foreignization; and of rewriting in literary translations, brought out especially by sinologists-cum-translators. This article looks into the trio of issues, clarifying the situation in which they crop up and highlighting the value and significance of a cognitive turn in translation-related critical practices as an effective way of addressing those issues. 

Keywords: translation criticism; literary translation; China; going global; cognitive turn; inter-subjectivity 

A Traditional Chinese Model of Collaborative Translation: The Why, How and Ought to Be of Its Development 

By XU Wensheng & LIU Qiaoling (Tongji University, Shanghai, China) p. 38 

Abstract: A joint effort by linguistic interpreters, note-takers and target language text producers stood out as a predominant model of collaborative translation in Chinese cultural history. Despite the fact that such a model had been popularly adopted, especially in those periods when foreign cultures, ideologies, and technologies were  being massively introduced into China, it has so far attracted very limited attention from translation scholars. This paper aims to identify the political, cultural and historical factors that shaped up the model and accounted for its rise to prominence, and to subject it to a critical examination so as to reveal its underlying assumptions  and obligatory features. The study concludes that this paradigm of collaborative translation resulted necessarily from an interplay between foreign cultural infiltration and domestic political entrenchment. It reflects a set of historical conditions marked both by a dearth of skilled talents and an inequality of the statuses accorded to the  collaborating parties. If practiced with a commitment to cultural parity, the model could yield superior products of translation and, under certain circumstances, may even contribute to the production of historically significant cultural texts. 

Keywords: collaborative translation; translation history; translator/interpreter; translation model 

The Translation of Shi Jing (The Book of Songs) in German-speaking  Countries 

By PANG Nana & ZHU Xinkai (Shandong University, Jinan, China) p. 61 

Abstract: German translation of Shi Jing (The Book of Songs) dates back to the 18th century, when six pieces from this Chinese classic were rendered into German and published in the German version of Description de l’empire de la Chine in 1748. In the nearly three centuries since then, the rendition of Shi Jing in German speaking countries has shown a trend of increasing sophistication, progressing from a rapid yet rough development in the 19th century, a gradual gain in accuracy and depth in the 20th century, to the achievement of comprehensiveness and systematicness in the 21st century. There have emerged during this same period many excellent German translators of Shi Jing, including Rückert, Strauß, Mühlenweg and Simon, whose renditions have provided German readers with a rich source of information about the traditional Chinese culture and thought, enabling them to gain a better appreciation of the lives and emotions of ancient Chinese people. 

Keywords: Shi Jing (The Book of Songs); translation; Germany; German Sinology