A Study Of Chi-Chen Wang As A Translator

Chi-Chen Wang (1899-2001) is a leading translator of both traditional and modern Chinese literature in the20th century. He began his career as a renowned translator of Chinese literature in the U.S. with the1929publication of an abridged version of Dream of the Red Chamber, and in the1940s he published several volumes of translations from Chinese fiction, making great contributions to the introduction of Chinese literature to the West.Great as his efforts to promote Chinese literature in foreign countries, Chi-Chen Wang as a translator has long been neglected in the field of translation studies in China. Chinese scholar’s contribution is quite scanty in terms of providing a comprehensive and objective assessment on Wang’s translation activities as well as his translation view. Therefore, this thesis not only offers insight into Wang’s life and translation practice, but also provides a panoramic view of Wang’s translation thought and his translation characteristics. Particularly, Wang’s choice of translation strategies, the factors influencing his selection of materials to translate as well as his translation style and principles are discussed in detail.This thesis falls into six chapters plus an introduction and a conclusion.Chapter One covers the background, research significance, content, methodology and framework of the thesis.Chapter Two is a review of the current studies on Wang’s translation at home and abroad, pointing out the necessity of a comprehensive study on Wang as a translator.In Chapter Three, Wang’s life and translation practice are traced, and particular emphasis is placed on Wang’s role as a trailblazer in promoting Chinese literature in the West.Chapter Four offers an overview of Wang’s translation, including his translation motivation, translation style and translation principles.Chapter Five is a detailed discussion on Wang’s translation strategies, taking into consideration the cultural and political settings against which Wang’s translation activities took place.And Chapter Six is the conclusion, which sums up the contributions of the present study and also points out what is yet to be done in the future.