A Critical Study Of Feminist Translation Theory

Feminist translation theory is the offspring of the latest development in translation studies and modern feminist movement. It has rectified the shortcomings of traditional translation theories such as the supreme authority of the original text, fidelity as the highest standard for translation and the translator's invisibility. However, it still carries some limitations such as over-emphasis on the manipulation over language and the translator's intervention.Up to now, academic studies carried out by scholars and researchers have mostly focused on the introduction of feminist translation theory as well as its contributions to translation studies. However, its theoretical limitations have received little attention. In light of this, the present thesis takes a critical attitude towards feminist translation theory.On one hand, the thesis affirms the contributions of feminist translation theory to traditional translation studies; on the other hand, it undertakes a comprehensive exploration of its limitations. Based on this analysis, thoughts on improving this translation theory are put forward as well. Androgyny between the author and the translator is advocated so as to maintain a balance between these two poles and to further bring the translator's subjectivity into full play (Geng Qiang 2004). Foreignization is favored to overcome the neo-colonialism in the translations of Third World literature in western countries. The influence of feminism exerting upon Chinese translation studies is also discussed in this thesis.The discussions in this thesis aim to draw scholars'attention to the defects of feminist translation theory and encourage them to come forward with more valuable research, thus pushing forward the further development of this newly-born theory.