On Creativity In Literary Translation

Literary translation is not only the translation of languages and literal meanings, rather it is required to represent the authenticity of literary works so as to contribute to the same aesthetic feeling of the target readers with that of the source text readers. Literary translation is sophisticated creative activity. If there is no creativity, the representation of the target text is impossible. Creativity is the key issue of literary translation. Inadequate knowledge on creativity will cause confusion and even failure in translation.As far as creativity is concerned, different scholars have different understandings. However, they seem not to have provided much discussion on it. Some of them cover this issue in their translation practice of specific texts; others do realize the development of creativity in literary translation, however, they seem not to have presented systematical understanding on a theoretical basis.This thesis addresses that creativity develops thoroughly in literary translation, since the essence of literary translation is the recreation of an art. If there is no creativity, there will be no representation of authenticity of literature. It also studies the subjective as well as the objective factors which contribute to the development of creativity in literary translation. It explores the presentation of creativity in the comprehension and representation process by employing Hans-Georg Gadamer's Philosophical Hermeneutics. Finally, this thesis considers that creativity in literary translation does not refer to the translator's arbitrary exertion or "treason" against the source text by analyzing the so-called "creative treason" theory in literary translation; instead, creativity refers to the aesthetic recreation based on being faithful to the content and spirit of the source text and conforming to the general norms of target language and culture.This thesis is consisting in four chapters besides the introduction and conclusion.