Aesthetic Approach To Translation Studies

Nowadays, Chinese translation circle has been introducing a great number of Western theories, overstressing the communicative or practical side of translation in particular. Consequently, the aesthetic perspective of translation is more or less overshadowed or even underrated both in theory and practice. Basically, translation is a communicative activity by means of transforming of language signs, while virtually it is a kind of aesthetic activity throughout which translators conduct translation. In the world of globalization, translation has become a kind of cultural exchange between countries or nations. The aesthetic approach to translation studies is believed to promote dialogues and exchanges between Chinese translation field and its Western counterpart.Centering on the aesthetic approach to translation studies, the thesis consists of six parts. The introduction of the thesis presents the train of thought in this project. Chapter 1 surveys contemporary translation studies in China and in the West, revealing the lack of attention to the aesthetic perspective in translation studies. In Chapter 2, the aesthetic origins of Western and Chinese translation theories are respectively traced back to. And aesthetics is proved to be a great source of translation theories both in China and in the West, and has been playing an important role in the advancement of translation theories and practice. Chapter 3 makes a comparison of the aesthetic features of translation studies home and abroad from a dialectical point of view. Apparently, there exists a complementary tendency between the two sides despite their differences. The final chapter focuses on the influence of aesthetic awareness on translators' practice. Meanwhile, the strategies of cultivating aesthetic awareness in translation teaching are investigated. In Conclusion, the thesis calls for more attention to the aesthetic approach to Chinese translation studies, as well as better assimilation of the best of traditional theories. Chinese translation circle should keep their identity while incorporating Western translation theories.In the final analysis, as a conventional and promising topic, the aesthetic approach to translation studies is expected to raise voice and sense of self-identity to Chinese translation circle, and more importantly, to facilitate equal and favorable dialogues or communications between China and the West in this respect.