On The Polysystem Theory And The Translator's Subjectivity

Based on Even-Zohar's Polysystem theory, this paper attempts to show that different attitudes to the same social and cultural background of the modern times (a term used in Chinese history specifically to refer to the period from the middle of the 19^th century to 1919), may result in the choices of various translation strategies (take Lin Shu, Yan Fu, Lu Xun and Lin Yutang for example).From the comparative study above (a study in the perspectives such as the social background, cultural attitude, the motive of translation and the target reader), we know that translators, even in the same cultural context, adopted different translation strategies: domestication vs. foreignization. Therefore, the decisive factor lies in the translator proper. In this sense, the results of the study are not completely consistent with Even-Zohar's polysystem theory. In fact, in the process of translation from one language into another, the translator plays a key role. His qualities, motives, the social background he is in and his view on translation and culture will all account for his translation activities. If we neglect the important role the translator plays in translation, we can't fully explain translation phenomena.In a word, the present thesis attempts to demonstrate that a translator's intention and strategy are governed by objective socio-cultural factors and subjective cultural attitudes as well. And the latter is, to a large extent, more decisive than the former.