Zhang Guruo’s "Didao" Translation Thought

In the traditional concept of translation, the translators are considered as servants and their role in translation is overlooked. This phenomenon lasted for a long time until the1970s when "cultural turn" was put forward in Western translation studies. It extended the range and method of translation studies and because of this, the translator’s subjectivity was becoming a matter of concern. The study of the translator cannot be conducted without analyzing the translation thoughts and practice of the translator. Such research can not only enrich the translation theories as a whole, but also offer us useful inspiration in our translation practice.This thesis focuses on the discussion of the "Didao" translation thought put forward by Zhang Guruo (1903—1994), an outstanding translator in China. Zhang’s "Didao" translation has its own peculiarity and he is especially well-known for his translation of Hardy’s works, which won him the title of "Expert on Hardy" by Western literary circle. This thesis compares his translation of The Return of the Native by Hardy with the versions of Wang Shouren and Sun Yu, in order to fully reflect Zhang’s proposal of "Didao" translation and his consideration for the target readers. Zhang’s main points of view in his "Didao" translation thought are illustrated from three parts. The first is Zhang’s view on translation nature and criteria. He thinks that translation is a science as well as an art. As for the translation criteria, he stresses the importance of "faithfulness" in translation from four aspects. The second is the analysis of the two prominent features of Zhang’s "Didao" translation thought. The two prominent features include the balance between foreignization and domestication and his view on dialect-for-dialect translation. The third is his thought on notes. Zhang’s thought on notes is also a vivid representation of his "Didao" translation thought in translation process and the translators’personality. This thesis divides Zhang’s notes into four sorts and analyzes each sort with examples to prove their necessity and reasonability. His comprehensive and detailed notes not only show his research spirit in translation, but also his concern for the readers. The study of Zhang’s "Didao" translation thought reflects translators’ subjectivity in the translation process and enriches the translation studies in China. The "Didao" translation, the genuine personality and Zhang’s research spirit are also the qualities required for the translators nowadays.