A Close-up On Subjectivity Represented By Moss Roberts In His Three Kingdoms

The study of the translator's subjectivity has long been ignored, due to a restricted concept of translation. With the development of modern translation into"a complex field with many far-reaching ramifications"(Bassnett, 2004:11) and especially with the Cultural Turn, The translator's cultural identity and subjective role begins to be recognized, which signifies that there is a shift of view about translation from the mere linguistic transference to a cross-cultural communication. But there is still no consensus about the term"the translator's subjectivity"in translation researches nowadays. Different scholars seem to have their own interpretations. Some translators still hold the traditional translation view and claim that it is obligatory for the translator to take up the passive role; other translators, in the name of"subjectivity", ignore the existence of the original text, and translate at will. For them,"subjectivity"justifies"treason". These problems largely harm the quality of translation and deserve enough attention from the translation field.The thesis explores the notion of translator's subjectivity and points out that the translators'subjectivity means the subjective initiative of the translator in the translation activity on the premise of respecting the objective translating conditions in achieving certain translating purpose. On the one hand, in order to produce a satisfied translation, the translator has to give full play of his subjective initiative. On the other hand, the translator's subjectivity also contains passivity, which is the inherent basis of initiative and the objective foundation to explain why the translator should exercise his initiative. Only when the translator pays enough attention to the two aspects of subjectivity and keeps a balance between them can his translation be successful. The translators'role should neither be exaggerated nor underestimated.Based on Hermeneutics and Aesthetics of Reception, the author studies the full version of Moss Roberts'Three Kingdoms and explores how the translator plays the role of an active reader and producer during the whole translation process within various constraints and successfully helps the TL readers to achieve a maximum fusion of horizon with the SL text. Roberts'translation has aroused great interest in the western world and has received a lot of positive feedback, which is to a large extent attributed to his reasonable exercise of the translator's subjectivity. In this sense, his translation version of the Three Kingdoms deserves more academic attention from us.The thesis first gives a general introduction to the research background of the topic, summarizes the related theories of the thesis, then gives a detailed analysis of issues concerning the translator's subjectivity, especially its manifestation and manipulating factors. The translator's pivotal role as a mediator between the ST, the author and the TL readers in the translation process is explored. After a case study of Roberts as a reader, researcher and translator in his translation practice of Three Kingdoms, some suggestions are put forward for the study of the translator's subjectivity.