On Lin Shu's Translation From A New Perspective

Since long ago, the "source-text oriented" translation research mode has been prevailing in Chinese translation studies circles, in which translation is only considered as the reproduction of the source text, and "faithfulness" being the only criterion for evaluating a translated version. Translator studies carried in this mode consequently turn to be a simple summing-up of the translator's translation thoughts and practice, while ignoring the fact that the social-cultural environment exerts great influence on the translator's translation theory and activities.In light of the Polysystem theory of Even-Zohar and Manipulation theory of Andre Lefevere, the thesis intends to analyze Lin Shu, the most unique and influential translator in late Qing period in a comprehensive way integrated with the special social background of the then China. Specifically speaking, the thesis will carry an investigation into how the social cultural environment exerted significant impact on Lin Shu's choices of the original texts and methods of translation, as well as into the counteraction Lin Shu's translation made to the then society. Adopting a new perspective for the translator casestudy, the thesis aims to contribute its share to a more mature and comprehensive development of translation studiesThe thesis consists of five parts besides the introduction and conclusion.The introduction briefs the aim, theme and structure of the thesis.Chapter one makes a survey of Lin Shu's translating career, and carries retrospection on the studies of Lin Shu in chronological sequences.Chapter two proposes a new perspective for the case of study on Lin Shu and clarifies its theoretical basis, that is, the Polysystem theory of Even-Zohar and the Manipulation theory of Andre Lefevere.Chapter three analyzes how the ideology influenced Lin Shu on his choice of originals, based on Andre Lefevere's theory of ideology component and the investigation of then social cultural situations, developing from such three aspects as the dominant social ideology, the ideology within the literature circle and Lin Shu's strong patriotisms.Chapter four probes into the reasons for Lin Shu's adoption of classical Chinese and free translation (addition and abridgment in specific), taking Lefevere's theory of poetics system and the survey of the poetics norms in Lin's time as a basis. Meanwhile, this chapter also reviews the artistic appeal of Lin Shu's translations.Chapter five touches on the counteraction of Lin Shu's translations to the social cultural system from such two aspects as innovating the values and facilitating the development of literature.The conclusion is the summary of the whole thesis.