Intersubjectivity-Based Approach To Literary Translation Strategies Of China: Rethinking Foreignization And Domestication

Based on the theoretical framework constructed from the current findings in the intersubjectivity-based translation studies, this dissertation attempts to explore the potentials and limitations of the translator's subjectivity as embodied in translator's orientation in terms of translation strategies.As an intercultural communication event, translation concerns the transference from ST into TT both in linguistic and cultural aspects. In dealing with the linguistic and cultural differences between two language systems, views are divided over the orientation towards foreignization or domestication as the two primary translation strategies, as is evidenced by large amounts of relevant literature and constant academic debates as well as controversies among researchers, especially in the Chinese translation circle.Considering that the discussion on foreignization and domestication has posed more problems than consensus, the present research provides a review of the problems and even conflicting viewpoints and boils them down to the root causes as: 1) ambiguous definitions and categorizations; 2) the tendency of misinterpretation or misreading, especially of the western theories; 3) lack of clear understanding of the research boundaries between cultural studies of translation and translation proper. Accordingly, these problems are critically examined and clarified.Against the backdrop of globalization, translation carries a historical mission, i.e. to preserve linguistic-cultural diversity while overcoming linguistic obstacles to socio-cultural communications, which entails a balance between foreignization and domestication. Therefore, the translator's subjectivity in relation to that of other participants in translation is of critical significance.However, in changing socio-historical reality, it is hard for the translator's subjectivity and the intersubjectivity of all participants to achieve an equal and harmonious dialogue, as presupposed by the ideal model in the intersubjectivity-based translation studies. In this connection, a theoretical hypothesis is proposed that the deficiency of translation arises because an ideal intersubjectivity is not always achievable under varied social-historical-cultural conditions. And moreover, due to various constraints, the equilibrium of intersubjectivity is easily broken to a certain degree. This assumption may also apply to cases where unbiased or impersonal choice is made of translation strategies.Based upon the previous elaboration, the dissertation conducts a case study of Sun Zhili's related translation thoughts with illustrations to assess the validity of his proposition that"foreignization should be the dominant trend in literary translation of China". The conclusion is reached that foreignization and domestication both contribute to the intercultural communication with their respective implications. They co-exist in a dialectic and complementary relationship, and neither can dominate the other as the prevailing strategy of translation as a whole.