The Evolution Of Chinese Bible Translation Ideas: An Investigation Of Eight Chinese Bible Prefaces

The Bible is the core text of Christian faith. The history of Bible translation is anepitome of the history of western culture. As a main branch of Bible translation in theworld, Chinese Bible translation has a long history. During more than1400years,both Chinese and western translators observed and examined their translation practice,putting forward Chinese Bible translation ideas by means of prefaces. Preface is ashort introductory essay preceding the text of a book, introducing the author ’sintention for the writing and the order of arrangement of the book. As a carrier oftranslator ’s translation ideas, preface is of potential theoretical significance. However,few researches of Chinese Bible prefaces can be found among theoretical studies ofChinese Bible translation. The thesis makes an investigation of eight Chinese Bibleprefaces, aiming to reveal the evolution of Chinese Bible translation theories throughliterature analysis approach, comparative analysis approach and inductive approach.The thesis consists of five chapters. Chapter one gives a brief introduction to theresearch background, the purpose, significance and methods of the research andstructure of the thesis. Chapter two introduces the Bible translation history in theworld and in China, and proposes preface as a new perspective for research ofChinese Bible translation ideas. Chapter three analyses eight Chinese Bible prefacesfrom missionary Bible versions to Chinese Bible versions. Characteristics andsignificance of prefaces to different versions are given special attention. Chapter fourfocuses on the evolution of Bible translation ideas from four distinctive aspects,namely, the achievement of translation intention and effect, the awareness of reader ’sresponse, the recognition of cultural negotiation as well as wakening of translator ’ssubjectivity. Revelation of the Chinese Bible translation theory by analyzing itsconnection with China ’s translation theory is discussed. The fifth Chapter concludes the research, pointing out that the development of the Bible translation principles andtheories brings a dynamic diversification of Chinese translation theories.The thesis is an attempt to demonstrate that Chinese Bible prefaces, which reflectimportant Chinese Bible translation ideas, are of potential theoretical significance.The eight prefaces illustrate the evolution of the development course of Chinese Bibletranslation ideas in terms of original meaning, readers, culture and translator ’ssubjectivity. The author appeals that Bible translation ideas are virtually part ofheritage of China ’s translation theories thus should be included in this glorioustreasure-house.