On The English Translation Of Ci Poems By Li Qingzhao

Ci, a special form of literature, occupies a most important position in the history of classical Chinese literature. Song ci is often mentioned in the same breath with Tang shi, and these two together add a most illustrious chapter to the annals of classical Chinese literature. In a way, Song ci may be said to be more beautiful, for it can express more refined, more delicate, more subtle feelings than can Tang shi. It thus opens a new field for Chinese lyrics and becomes a most important part of Chinese cultural heritage. With its unique artistic charm, it makes a brilliant contrast with Tang shi and enjoys an ever- lasting popularity. Consequently, the necessity of translating it is self-evident. However, the untranslatability of poem has been long proposed in translation circles home and abroad. On the basis of different translations of ci poems by Li Qingzhao梩he greatest woman poet in literary history, this thesis makes a preliminary discussion on whether ci is translatable and how to translate it. To discuss the problem whether ci is translatable and how to translate it, we should first get to know the formation and development as well as the characteristics of ci. This knowledge is as beneficial as necessary. Therefore this thesis first makes a comprehensive introduction to ci, including the position of ci in literary history, the development of ci, and the characteristics of ci in form, rhyme, content and language. Secondly, in order to better understand and grasp the artistic features of Li Qingzhao ci, the thesis describes the poetess?life and achievement. Through discussing Li抯 ci poems of various periods, the thesis approaches the artistic beauty of ci by Li Qingzhao from different respects including its theme and language. Upon discussion on how to translate ci, versified translation is advocated. Besides, the thesis adopts Mr. Xu Yuanchong translation theory of three- aspected beauty and approaches the representation of ci from the respects of ii Abstract beauty in sense, in sound and in form. According to the author, beauty in sound and in form should be reproduced on the premise of reproducing the original beauty in sense. In order to reproduce the original beauty in sense, the translation of words should be accurate, elaborate and beautiful, the stress put on conveying the significance in the depth of the content instead of in the superficial form. The beauty in sound should be reproduced by means of rhyme, repetition and rhythm; the beauty in form be reproduced by means of symmetry so as to make the length of sentences in the translation nearly even with that in the original. Beauty in sense should always be given priority, beauty in sound comes next and that in form last. In the translation of the ci by Li Qingzhao, differences arise owing to different understanding and representation. By comparing different translations and the translations with the original, the author tries to state her own viewo approve all parties, to support one party, or to put forward her own opinion.