A Descriptive Research On Burton Watson's English Translation Of Chinese Classic Works

Chinese classic works are the gems of Chinese culture and the heritage of the whole world. The English translation of Chinese classics, which is considered as a means of disseminating Chinese culture into the world, has been increasingly evaluated by translation circle and publishers in China. Burton Watson, the renowned professional translator in the United States, translates Chinese and Japanese classics as his main task. He has begun to show interest in Chinese culture since his childhood. He has published a great deal of his translations of Chinese classic works concerning Chinese history, philosophy, religion and poetry since 1950s, through which he has introduced the excellent works of Chinese culture into the Western world. This promotes the Western readers' understanding and reception of Chinese culture, particularly the American readers. He has made a great contribution to the Chinese culture into the world. Of his translations of Chinese classic works, some are chosen as the college textbooks. Thus it is very extraordinary in the Western Sinology circle that his translations of Chinese books cover so many types and numbers during such a long historical period.Chinese researchers have begun to focus on Watson's translations in recent years. But there is not much achievement and the research on the general description and evaluation of his translations has not been found so far. His translations, therefore, need to be summarized for the reference of Chinese translators to translate the Chinese classic works into English.This thesis, from the perspective of translation description mixed with stylistics and aesthetics, researches on the Watson's translations classified into prose and poetry. The research induces Watson's translation characteristics and methods, gives an objective evaluation of the merits and demerits of his translations, and points out his position in translation.The research findings suggest that Watson follows the principle of faithfulness and readability, and he considers the elements of general readers' reception in his translations. Therefore, his great success in the translation of Chinese classic works can be attributed to the patron and his proper translation methods.