A Study On The Translatability And Untranslatability Of Classical Chinese Poems

With the frequent communication and transmission of Chinese and Western culture, the translation of Classical Chinese poems ( in the following parts abbreviated to CCP translation) becomes the focus of Chinese and western translators. Though the history of translation of classical Chinese poems is not very long, the development of classical Chinese poems meets many challenges. The arguments on the translatability and untranslatability of classical Chinese poems are heated up to now. The author believes that translatability and untranslatability of classical Chinese poems are two sides of one issue, that is, translation of classical Chinese poems. The argument on this issue is really very important, but what is more important is getting the principles and methods for CCP translation based on the arguments. In the field of CCP translation, theorists and translators not only produce many excellent works but also put forward constructive theories. Based on former theories and practice, this thesis analyzes the arguments of translatability and untranslatability and proposes the basic principles of CCP translation. Under the guidance of the basic principles, this thesis puts forward translation methods and points out the role and function of translator in CCP translation. It includes four chapters except introduction and conclusionIn this thesis, chapter one is a sketch of CCP translation practice by foreign translators and Chinese translators. It is only a sketch of CCP translation by some representatives and their translations, aiming at showing the strenuous efforts made by Chinese and foreign translators in CCP translation. Chapter two is an overview of the arguments concerning translatability and untranslatability of classical Chinese poems. In this part, it demonstrates the affirmation and the theoretical basis of translatability of classical Chinese poems. Meanwhile, it introduces the branch theories of untranslatability of specific factors. Chapter three is the main part of this thesis. It proposes principles and methods of CCP translation. Firstly, it makes a comparison between two poems in two languages: Chinese and English to make clear their universality and individuality of two poems. The universality will be helpful for CCP translation, which will make classical Chinese poems translatable, so CCP translation will be possible. The individuality of these two poems will become barriers in CCP translation, which may become the untranslatable factors in CCP translation. Secondly, The author puts forward two basic principles of CCP translation. The principles suggested are not only the inner criteria judging translatability and untranslatability of classical Chinese poems but also the guiding principles for CCP translation. Then, under the guidance of the two basic principles, it suggests some translation methods for CCP translation, especially in treating untranslatable factors. Last but not least, chapter four discusses the multiple role of translators and the requirements for translators in CCP translation, as translatability and untranslatability of classical Chinese poems mostly rely on the capability of translators.