Zhuang Zi's Translation Into English And Its Relation With Politics And Power

Zhuang Zi, as an important Chinese classic, reflects the core of Taoism and combines the characteristics of both literature and philosophy. The translation of Zhuang Zi into English began at the end of the 19th century and lasts until today; its translators include early British missionaries, modern American sinologists and local Chinese scholars; and its translations vary according to different times and translators. However, the study of Zhuang Zi at home and abroad from the perspective of translation is still rather limited. This thesis adopts the theory of translation and politics and power, and generally divides the translation of Zhuang Zi into three periods:the period of domination represented by Herbert A. Giles, the period of reconciliation represented by James Legge and the period of rationality represented by Burton Watson. Then, taking into account these translators' historical, cultural, and religious backgrounds, this thesis chooses representative translation examples, comments and notes, and compares these translations' respective inclinations, strategies and possible results. Giles' presupposition of domination, to some extent, distorts the original text and put Taoism into the framework of Christianity. Legge's scholar translation shows a more prudent academic attitude, improves translation quality, but at the same time, complicates the translated text. Besides, due to his attitude for Chinese and western culture, religion and philosophy, Legge tries to reconcile Taoism with Christianity. Watson adopts an obvious translation strategy of foreignization and a rational attitude towards Taoism, both of which, compared with the two previous periods, contribute to this translation's historical progress. Through this analysis of Zhuang Zi's translation history into English, we come to the understanding that, in translating Chinese classics today, we should encourage local translations, guarantee a clear and fluent style, stick to the preservation of cultural and philosophical elements, and, at a proper stage, make attempts at translating in 'China English'.