Full metadata record
| DC Field | Value | Language |
|---|---|---|
| dc.contributor | Faculty of Humanities | en_US |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Li, Dechao (CBS) | en_US |
| dc.creator | Ouyang, Le | - |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/14366 | - |
| dc.language | English | en_US |
| dc.publisher | Hong Kong Polytechnic University | en_US |
| dc.rights | All rights reserved | en_US |
| dc.title | A holistic perspective on cultural translation : a comparative study of the four English versions of Fu Sheng Liu Ji | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | In translation studies, the "translational turn" is a significant theoretical concept referring to the paradigm shift in translation studies from a traditionally linguistically-oriented approach to an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspective at the turn of the 20th to the 21st century (Bachmann-Medick, 2009, p. 3). This turn emphasizes that translation is not merely an act of interlingual conversion but also a cultural practice, a social behavior, and a political negotiation, focusing on the dynamic nature of translation, power relations, and its role in reconstructing cultural identities within a globalized context (ibid., p. 7). Against this backdrop, cultural translation serves as an interdisciplinary methodology that is not a simple transfer of meaning but rather an ethical process of achieving understanding by acknowledging differences and negotiating with them (Maitland, 2017, p. 8). Through this process, historical narratives are reconstructed, marginalized voices are restored, and cross-cultural communication and understanding are facilitated (Tymoczko, 2003, pp. 40-41). | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | However, in translation studies, the analysis of culture is often conducted in a linear manner, with a greater focus on superficial cultural elements within the text. The major issue with this approach is that it neither systematically recognizes nor addresses cultural differences, nor does it provide an effective method for coordinating and cohesively integrating the cultural representations throughout the entire text (Tymoczko, 2014, p. 233). | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | As a classic literary masterpiece, Fu Sheng Liu Ji is rich in cultural connotation, resembling a scroll of fresh and beautiful landscapes of the southern Yangtze regions, leaving a profound impression on people (Miao, 2019, p. 8). It has been translated into English four times, drawing considerable academic attention in China (Fan, 2020, p. 122). | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | However, the existing research falls short to some extent in its holistic consideration of cultural factors due to the lack of a comprehensive inventory of cultural elements as a guide, thereby leading to an inadequate perception of cultural differences. As a translation approach that addresses cultural differences in a holistic manner, holistic cultural translation abandons the partial and linear way of representing culture. Instead, it explicitly identifies the major cultural features that are relevant to the translated text and pose difficulties for the target audience, and then presents them to the audience in a coherent and integrated way, enabling the audience to understand or accept the dispositions and practices of another culture (Tymoczko, 2014, p. 234). Thus, holistic cultural translation is highly essential as an integrated model in translation studies that transcends the current conceptualization of cultural translation. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | The present research employs the theory of holistic cultural translation as its theoretical framework to conduct a comparative analysis of the four English versions of Fu Sheng Liu Ji. By examining signature concepts, discourses, cultural paradigms, and overcodings, it aims to reveal the translation strategies adopted by different translators for specific cultural elements and the characteristics exhibited in their respective translations. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | The research findings indicate that in handling the cultural elements of signature concepts, Lin, Pratt and Chiang, and Sanders all strive to reproduce the source text’s cultural content, while Black tends to employ a strategy that is more expansive and creative. In conveying the ideological implications of the original text, Lin, Pratt and Chiang, and Sanders aim to retain these elements in their translations, whereas Black’s translation exhibits extensive omissions. Regarding the treatment of cultural paradigms, all four translations serve to restore these elements, but they predominantly choose a balanced approach between reproducing the heterogeneity and ensuring acceptance by the target readers. When dealing with overcodings as a cultural element, except for Black who adopts more omission strategies, the other translators focus on reproducing this cultural information. Among them, the translations by Pratt and Chiang, as well as Sanders, frequently use thick translation methods by incorporating additional notes. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Based on close reading and qualitative analysis of both the source and translated texts, it can be concluded that Lin’s translation, being the earliest version, is dedicated to reproducing Chinese philosophy of conduct for Western readers. The collaborative translation by Pratt and Chiang, as a version rendered in modern English, offers significant sinological insights. Black’s version fully reflects her power to choose and control the cultural representations of the source text as the translator. Sanders’s latest thick translation effectively balances the adequacy of the original text with reader acceptance and is currently considered an improved and authoritative version. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Grounded in the theoretical framework of holistic cultural translation and integrated with a checklist of cultural elements, the research transcends the traditional linear approach to translation studies by conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis of the four existing English translations of Fu Sheng Liu Ji. This contributes to a deeper understanding of the conceptualization of cultural translation. It should also be acknowledged that in holistic cultural translation, a total cultural analysis is neither feasible nor necessary (Tymoczko, 2014, pp. 239-240). Therefore, the analysis of Fu Sheng Liu Ji and its translations focuses only on aspects relevant to specific themes rather than exhausting all cultural factors. Furthermore, this study does not delve into the currently popular topic of artificial intelligence, which should be further explored in future research. | en_US |
| dcterms.extent | ix, 329 pages : color illustrations | en_US |
| dcterms.isPartOf | PolyU Electronic Theses | en_US |
| dcterms.issued | 2025 | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | DALS | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | All Doctorate | en_US |
| dcterms.accessRights | restricted access | en_US |
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| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8797.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 3.87 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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