A Comparative Study On Two Chinese Versions Of The Informationist From The Perspective Of Translator’s Subjectivity

In recent years, the cultural exchanges between China and western countries have become increasingly frequent and China has introduced more and more literary works from foreign countries. Among all these literary works, light ones are more popular. As a branch of light literature, detective and mystery novels are devoured by Chinese readers because of their fun and attractive plots. Translators have contributed a lot in the popularity of western detective and mystery novels.Translation of foreign detective and mystery novels can help us have a good knowledge and understanding of the world, enrich cultural diversity and promote the development of our national culture. Therefore, great attention needs to be paid on translating detective and mystery novels.Translation largely depends on translators’ accomplishments, personality, status and other reasons. This essay compares two Chinese versions of Taylor Stevens’ novel named The Informationist, and attempts to discuss the two versions from the perspective of translator’s subjectivity with two emphases of culture and gender.Through comparison and analysis, this thesis concludes that translator’s subjectivity exerts its influence in the whole process of translating. Translators’ social and cultural background, education background, gender, personality and other factors are bound to be reflected in their translation. Therefore, translators should not only pursue the language conciseness and accuracy, but also give full play to their initiative and creativity. Good translations should embody both the translators’ subject consciousness and their unique translating styles.