14.2 Challenges and issues in translating Chinese literature
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Translating Chinese literature into English is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. The languages are so different in structure and sound that capturing the original's essence is a huge challenge.
Translators must navigate linguistic hurdles, cultural barriers, and tricky decisions about accuracy and untranslatability. It's a delicate balancing act between preserving the Chinese flavor and making the text accessible to English readers.
Linguistic Challenges
Differences between Chinese and English
Top images from around the web for Differences between Chinese and English
File:China linguistic map.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Introduction to Language | Boundless Psychology View original
Is this image relevant?
Spoken Versus Written Communication | Introduction to Communication View original
Is this image relevant?
File:China linguistic map.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Introduction to Language | Boundless Psychology View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Differences between Chinese and English
File:China linguistic map.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Introduction to Language | Boundless Psychology View original
Is this image relevant?
Spoken Versus Written Communication | Introduction to Communication View original
Is this image relevant?
File:China linguistic map.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Introduction to Language | Boundless Psychology View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Chinese and English have vastly different linguistic structures and features that make translation challenging
- Chinese is an isolating language relies on word order and particles to convey meaning rather than inflections or conjugations (English)
- Classical Chinese used in much of premodern literature is even more concise and context-dependent than modern Chinese
- Poetic forms in Chinese literature, such as regulated verse, have strict rules for rhyme, tone patterns, parallelism, and length that are difficult to replicate in English
- Chinese is a tonal language where the pitch of a syllable can change the meaning of a word (mā (mother) vs mǎ (horse)), whereas English uses tone for emphasis or emotion
Conveying sound and meaning
- Translators must grapple with how to handle rhyme and tonal patterns that are integral to the aesthetics and meaning of Chinese poetry
- Wordplay, such as puns or homophones, is common in Chinese literature but often untranslatable since it relies on the specific sounds and written characters of Chinese
- Prioritizing the sound vs. literal meaning of the original is a key decision point, with most translators favoring meaning
- Some translators may attempt to mimic rhyme or meter in English or use footnotes to explain wordplay, but much of the original sound is inevitably lost in translation
Cultural Barriers
Understanding cultural context
- Chinese literature is steeped in a cultural, historical, and philosophical context that is unfamiliar to most Western readers
- Allusions to Chinese history, mythology, or classic texts are ubiquitous and often carry deeper layers of meaning (referencing Confucian virtues)
- Idiomatic expressions, such as four-character phrases (chengyu), often have literary or historical origins that are opaque without explanation (塞翁失马 sàiwēngshīmǎ "the old man lost his horse" implies a setback may be a blessing in disguise)
- Translators must decide how much context to provide through annotations, introductions, or other paratextual elements
Balancing domestication and foreignization
- Domestication makes the translation feel natural in the target language but erases cultural differences (translating "rice" as "bread")
- Foreignization preserves cultural elements but may feel alien to target readers (leaving "rice" as "rice")
- Most translators strike a balance but lean towards foreignization to maintain the Chinese essence of the work
- Thick translations with extensive annotations are common for premodern Chinese literature to bridge the cultural gap
Translational Dilemmas
Maintaining accuracy and authenticity
- Translators must interpret the meaning of the original text and make choices about diction, syntax, and style in the target language
- Premodern Chinese can be ambiguous and allow for multiple interpretations, requiring the translator to choose one reading
- Translators may also take liberties to make the translation more accessible or aesthetically pleasing, such as rearranging lines or adding/removing words
- However, they must be careful not to distort the meaning or tone of the original excessively in the process
- Aiming for "" to the original is the ideal, but some degree of interpretation and alteration is unavoidable
Dealing with untranslatability
- Some words or expressions in Chinese have no exact equivalent in English, creating gaps in translation (Dao 道, qi 氣)
- Certain genres, such as fu rhapsodies with their ornate parallel prose style, are extremely difficult to translate effectively
- Translators must weigh using the pinyin Romanization, creating a new English word (Dao -> Way), explaining it, or simply omitting it
- Accepting that not everything can be translated perfectly and being transparent about the challenges and choices made is key
- Multiple translations of the same work can highlight different aspects and possibilities, with no single definitive version
Key Terms to Review (15)
Adaptation: Adaptation refers to the process of modifying a text or work to fit a new context, audience, or medium while retaining its core elements. In translation, this involves not just linguistic conversion but also cultural adjustments to make the original material resonate with a different audience, addressing the nuances and values inherent in both the source and target cultures.
Arthur Waley: Arthur Waley was a prominent British sinologist and translator known for his influential translations of Chinese literature, particularly during the early 20th century. His work played a crucial role in introducing Chinese literary classics to the Western world, addressing both the beauty of the texts and the challenges inherent in translating them.
Classical poetry: Classical poetry refers to the traditional forms of poetry that emerged in ancient China, characterized by their strict adherence to metrics, rhyme schemes, and thematic elements. These poems often reflect deep philosophical ideas, natural imagery, and personal emotions, serving as a cultural touchstone that has influenced both literature and art throughout Chinese history.
Cross-Cultural Reception: Cross-cultural reception refers to the way a literary work is interpreted and understood when it is introduced to a different cultural context than its original. This process involves not just translation, but also the adaptation of themes, styles, and cultural references to resonate with the new audience, often leading to significant shifts in meaning and appreciation.
Cultural appropriation: Cultural appropriation is the act of taking or borrowing elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without permission and in a way that can be disrespectful or exploitative. This practice can lead to the commodification of cultural symbols and traditions, raising ethical concerns about power dynamics and the impact on the original culture.
Cultural Nuances: Cultural nuances refer to the subtle differences in behavior, customs, expressions, and meanings that exist within a culture, which can significantly affect communication and understanding. These nuances include idiomatic expressions, social norms, and cultural references that may not translate directly across languages, making them crucial for translators to consider when interpreting literature.
Cultural relativism: Cultural relativism is the concept that a person's beliefs and practices should be understood based on that individual's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture. This perspective encourages an appreciation of cultural diversity and an awareness of how cultural context shapes values, norms, and expressions. It is particularly relevant in discussions surrounding translation, where understanding the cultural nuances behind language can impact the fidelity and interpretation of texts.
Dynamic Equivalence: Dynamic equivalence is a translation philosophy that aims to convey the meaning and emotional impact of the original text in a way that resonates with the target audience, rather than focusing solely on a word-for-word translation. This approach emphasizes the intention and context of the original work, ensuring that the translated text captures the same effect as intended by the author, which is especially important when translating literature across cultures with different linguistic structures and cultural references.
Faithfulness: Faithfulness in the context of translating Chinese literature refers to the degree to which a translation preserves the original text's meaning, style, and cultural nuances. It is crucial for ensuring that the essence of the work is maintained while making it accessible to a different language audience. The challenge lies in balancing literal translation with the need to convey emotions and subtleties inherent in the original text.
Formal equivalence: Formal equivalence is a translation approach that aims to reproduce the exact wording and structure of the original text, prioritizing a close adherence to the source language's form and syntax. This method often seeks to maintain the literal meaning and nuances of the original language, which can be crucial when translating complex literary works, particularly in contexts where cultural and linguistic differences play a significant role.
Historical context: Historical context refers to the social, cultural, economic, and political environment that surrounds and influences a particular event, work, or period in history. Understanding historical context is essential for interpreting literature, as it helps to reveal the circumstances that shaped the themes, characters, and narratives present in a text.
Historical narratives: Historical narratives are accounts or stories that recount events from the past, often integrating factual data with interpretation and cultural context. These narratives play a crucial role in shaping collective memory and identity, influencing how societies perceive their history and values, especially in relation to major genres of literature, philosophical ideas, and the challenges of translation.
Source text: A source text is the original document or material from which a translation or adaptation is derived. It serves as the foundation for translating literature, capturing not only the literal meaning but also the cultural nuances, context, and stylistic elements inherent in the original language.
Transliteration: Transliteration is the process of converting text from one writing system into another, preserving the original pronunciation as closely as possible. In the context of translating Chinese literature, transliteration plays a crucial role in accurately representing Chinese characters using the Latin alphabet, allowing readers unfamiliar with the Chinese script to access the sounds and phonetics of the language while engaging with the text.
Transparency: In the context of translating literature, transparency refers to the clarity and faithfulness of a translation, ensuring that the translated text accurately reflects the original meaning and style while remaining accessible to the target audience. Achieving transparency involves striking a balance between preserving cultural nuances and making the text relatable, often posing challenges in conveying idiomatic expressions and complex concepts from one language to another.