On Translator’s Subjectivity From Hermeneutic Perspective

The translator is the most dynamic factor involved in translation process. He is obliged to make a full play of his subjectivity in the performance. However, whether in China or the west, the subjectivity of translator has been ignored for a long time. Under the influence of ST-oriented theory, the translator has been set in a marginalized position. Whether in the Chinese translation criterion of faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance or the western equivalence theory, the translator is regarded as the obedient and faithful servant of the ST author. His mission is to realize the complete equivalence and correspondence between the SL and the TL. Such a conception not only hinders the full display of translator’s subjectivity, but also restrains the development of translation practice.In recent years, especially after the introduction of "cultural turn", due attention has been given to the study of translator’s subjectivity. Under the impact of it, the translation activity has transcended the superficial level of trans-coding, and set in the social, historical and cultural background, thus making it an inter-cultural communication. As for the translated works, it turns out to be the interaction between the ST and the translator, rather than pure copy of the ST. The marginalized status of translator has been improved gradually and the research in this realm deepens as time passes by.Hermeneutics is a theory of understanding and interpretation, which has evolved from_theological hermeneutics in ancient times into modern philosophical hermeneutics. It has formed an indissoluble bond with translation studies throughout the long-term development. As is known to all that understanding is the premise of interpretation. Translation activity, no matter what kind it may be, all concerned with understanding of the original text. In this sense, any translation activity cannot be separated from understanding and interpretation. Some key theories in Hermeneutics, such as Heidegger’s "prejudice", Gadamer’s "historicity of understanding","fusion of horizons" and "effective history" not only broaden the horizon of translation studies, but also provide us with a new perspective for the research on the translator’s subjectivity.Ah Q Zheng Zhuan written by Lu Xun is a masterpiece in the modern literary history in China. It enjoys great fame in the literary circle at home and abroad. Since it came into being, the readers are deeply impressed by the image of "Ah Q" and his "spiritual victory". Given its remarkable status in the literary history, many translators have dedicated themselves to its translation. Each translator has his own horizon and pre-understanding, thus forming certain "rules" in their minds. Those "rules" tend to exert specific influence on the translator’s choice of translation materials, translation purposes and the application of translation strategies. Yang Hsien-yi and William A. Leyll’s translated works are cases in point.Based on the main concepts of Hermeneutics, this thesis attempts to make a comparative study on two translations of Q Q Zheng Zhuan and testifies the necessity and feasibility of the translator’s subjectivity in the process of literary translation.