Constructing Cultural Identity: Exploration Of Translator’s Subjectivity In Lin Yutang’s Version Of Six Chapters Of A Floating Life

Translation is a cross-cultural communication. And the translator who walks intwo different cultures is usually regarded as the bridge. Indeed, the translator reallyplays a significant role in the intercultural transform. However, in traditionaltranslation theory, the translator has been under the shadow of the original text and theauthor for a long time. It is until1970s especially after the cultural turn in translationstudy, the main status of translator has been gradually highlighted. Thus, the theory oftranslator’s subjectivity has become more and more popular in academic research.As we know, translators are not always absolutely neutral in the process oftranslation. They integrate their own cultural imprint into their translations so thatthey can make full use of their conscious activity and creativity. Moreover, thecultural identity of translator is closely associated with many inner motivations andstrategies. It is an indivisible part of the translator’s subjectivity. Different culturalidentities may have big and direct influences on both the process and the final qualityof the translation. Thus, through constructing the translator’s cultural identity, we mayhave a more profound understanding about the importance of the translator’ssubjectivity in order to maximize the quality of the translation.Under the methodology of Descriptive Translation Studies, this thesis takes anew look at the translator’s subjectivity from the perspective of constructing culturalidentity. Thus, Six Chapters of a Floating Life is taken as an example to give adetailed illustration and explanation of the author’s view. Apart from that, fourchapters are arranged to help discuss and analyze the great importance of the translator’s subjectivity from the perspective of cultural identity.