A Study On Yan Fu's Academicizing Translation

On the basis of skopos theory, the present thesis, employing the methodologies of theoretical analysis and translation description, explores Yan Fu's academicizing translation so as to reveal the influence of traditional Chinese academics on the translator's action, the selection of texts and translation methods. The investigation into translation activities within traditional Chinese academics is significant for the study of the interrelationship between translation and traditional Chinese academics.The present thesis, investigating the traditional academic thoughts and methods in Yan's eight translations, expounds them from three aspects, i.e. Yan's academicizing translational action, selection of academic texts and academicizing translation methods. The academicization of translation action, first of all, implies that Yan's interpretation of Confucianism, Laozi and Zhuangzi in his translation of western academic works is taken as his academic activity. Interpretation of classics, as one of traditional scholar-bureaucrats'academic activities, in Yan's case, is in use for the expression of his own points of view. The selection of academic texts, secondly, refers to that Yan's source texts are involved in various western academic areas with two aims, one of which is the introduction of reform ideas and western logic for new thoughts and fresh approaches, the other is the retrospection to Chinese legal and economic thoughts. Yan Fu points out two deficiencies that Chinese law fails to distinguish penal code from civil law, and that traditional scholar-bureaucrats avoid talking about economy, both of which lead common people to be in unreal liberty with the neglect of economic thoughts. Introduction and retrospection appear in his translation'at the same time with his purposeful academicization. The academicization of translation methods, at last, stands for that Yan Fu widely applies traditional academic methods such as evidential studies, annotation and rectification of names to his translations for the particular readers of traditional scholar-bureaucrats with the aim to make his "academic action" acceptable. The academic method is an expression of his attachment to traditional academics and his strictness with academic style and translation obligation.The present thesis, thus, assumes Yan's academic trend in his translation. Yan's translation is greatly influenced by traditional Chinese academics. His selection of academic texts answers for the academic need of the times. His academicizing translation methods cater for traditional readers and reflect his approval of traditional academics as well. Traditional academics exert great influence on translators'action, texts selection as well as the acceptance of translation works, which is worthwhile to profoundly research.