An Analysis Of Translator's Subjectivity Under George Steiner's Hermeneutic Motion Theory

With arrival of the “Cultural Turn” in the 1970 s, it illuminates the translation studies in a broader way. The translators' cultural and aesthetic trend and their subjectivity have become vital research angles for translation studies. It shifts some points that translation activity steps in a marginal position in certain period and the translators are confronted with an unjust treatment and humble status. The study of the translator's subjectivity has been reflected in every stage of the translation process, including text selection, acquiring the meaning of the original text, and utilization of translation strategies to reorganize and recreate the source text.The study of the translator's subjectivity has brought a new perspective for translation. Consequently, the translators' crucial status steps into spotlight from an invisible part to a visible subject.The thesis aims to undertake a study on the translator's subjectivity based on Steiner's Hermeneutic Motion Theory embodied on the four concrete steps through Howard Goldblatt's translating Red Sorghum. Meanwhile it further makes affirmance that translator's subjectivity is of great significance and by no means can be paid listless attention to in the whole course of translation.Through analysis, the major findings are as follows. First, the translator's subjectivity under Steiner's Hermeneutic Motion Theory runs through the translation process so it is practical and workable. Goldblatt defines his own trust, aggression, incorporation and compensation which fully displays his subjectivity. In different steps, every example manifests the subjectivity of Goldblatt. Therefore, the importance of the translator's role in excellent texts and in achieving successful cross-cultural communication can't be overlooked. Second, translator's subjectivity can be embodied under concrete examples. Specific examples from Red Sorghum are used to further testify the existence and significance of translator's subjectivity in every motion of translation activities.With the objective analysis of Goldblatt's translations, Goldblatt's translation intention exerts a profound impact on the literature world, which is favorable for further analysis of literature. The translator's subjectivity runs through the whole translation progress. The study on the translator's subjectivity presents purposes of translation, translation methods and expectation of functions about the target text manipulated, which is thought provoking in study of any translation.This thesis consists of five chapters. Chapter one is a brief introduction of the thesis including research background, research purpose and significance, research questions, research methods and the organization of the thesis. Chapter two is literature review. The author reviews the development of translator's subjectivity and summarizes relevant studies on translator's subjectivity at home and abroad. Then the studies of Red Sorghum have been illustrated mainly focusing on domestic studies. Chapter three puts emphases on the theoretical framework that is George Steiner's Hermeneutic Motion Theory. In this section, the thesis analyzes the origin and development of Steiner's Hermeneutic Motion Theory and explores what Hermeneutic Motion Theory refers to and the relationship between translator's subjectivity and Hermeneutic Motion Theory. Chapter four is the case study of Red Sorghum which endeavors to systematically expound the manifestations of translator's subjectivity in terms of Hermeneutic Motion Theory. Chapter five comes to the conclusion of the thesis which focuses on major findings of the study, practical implications and the limitations of the study and suggestions for future study.