A Comparative Study On The Thick Translation Strategies In Three English Translations Of Tian Gong Kai Wu

The Tian Gong Kai Wu,known as the 17th century Chinese encyclopedia,has been widely recognized by the history of science and technology in China and the world for its excellent historical and applied value.As a systematic study of China’s ancient science and technology,it has a literary tradition and a profound philosophical significance.Therefore,it is necessary to use thick translation strategies to spread its cultural connotation.This study adopts quantitative and qualitative research methods to study three English versions,namely,namely,the English translation by Ren Yidu and Sun Shouquan(referred to as Ren’s translation)published in 1966,the English translation by Li Qiaoping(referred to Li’s translation)published in 1980,and the English translation of Tian Gong Kai Wu by three professors,Wang Haiyan,Wang Yijing,and Liu Yingchun(referred to Wang’s translation)included in the Greater China Library in 2011.).Thick translation,put forward by American scholar Appiah,emphasizes putting the text in a rich language and cultural background through prefaces,appendix,notes and comments to help readers understand the source language and culture.Previous studies have found that thick translation is of great importance to literary translation.By comparing the thick translation strategies adopted by the three translations of Tian Gong Kai Wu,the author finds that thick translation also has significant guiding effects on the translation of such scientific and technological texts as Tian Gong Kai Wu.It is found that(1)Although the three English translations were published in different eras,the translators all made thick translations to assist in the interpretation of cultural connotations.The author compares the contents and similarities and differences of the thick translation of the three translations,and investigates the reasons for the differences and the communication effects of the translations.It is found that the use of thick translations can help readers better accept and understand foreign cultures and contribute more to the dissemination of the Chinese classics.(2)Thick translation has the functions of bridging language differences,providing cultural information,tracing back to the source and highlighting the translator’s subjectivity.With the help of the annotation content independently selected by the translator,readers can deeply understand the source language and culture through aesthetic perception,which is not only suitable for literary translation,but also enlightening for the English translation of scientific and technological texts in China.