Application Of Toury’s Theory Of Translation Norms To Two English Versions Of Xiyouji

Xiyouji is regarded as one of the four greatest works in Chinese literature, representing the apogee of Chinese classical literature. Waley’English version was published in the 1940s, occupying a seminal place in western readers. Most of western literature quotes Waley’s version when introducing Xiyouji. Publication of Yu’s English version in the 1970s and 1980s took western circle of sinologists by surprise for its accuracy and length, being considered as the English translation of Xiyouji that does justice to Chinese original.There is inadequate number of studies on English translation of Xiyouji both at home and abroad. Studies abroad are usually subjective, impressionistic evaluation without employing any specific translation theory. Studies at home involving one English version of Xiyouji take up the greatest proportion and many of the studies revolve around equivalence paradigm. There are few studies at home applying descriptive translation studies or utilizing theory of translation norms.In the aspect of translation policy, entertainment is the reason why Xiyouji is chosen by Waley for translation while literariness is the reason why Yu decides to translate Xiyouji in spite of the fact that there are many different English versions before. As for matricial norms, Waley’s version is a drastically abridged and manipulated version and Yu’s version is a veritable full version. In terms of textual-linguistic norms, Waley’s version focuses more on dynamic correspondence, pays less attention to the form of the original, and mainly relies on domestication. By contrast, Yu’s version aims at both formal and dynamic correspondence, utilizes mainly foreignization. In terms of initial norm, Waley’s version leans towards acceptability and Yu’s version towards adequacy.In Waley’s time, translated Chinese literature occupied a relatively minor position within English literary polysystem. Accordingly, initial norm in Waley’s version is characterized by acceptability, and operational norms in this version feature abridgement and fragmentation, as well as predominance of domestication. By contrast, in Yu’s time, the position of translated Chinese literature within English literary polysystem rose. In consequence, initial norm in Yu’s version displays adequacy and operational norms in this version feature completeness and coherence, as well as predominance of foreignization.Analysis of two English versions of Xiyouji in light of Toury’s theory of translation norms bears implications on reconsideration of the issue respecting "going-out" of Chinese literature. As the vision of "going-out" of Chinese literature is launched from the source literary polysystem, initial norm should be adequacy. As for preliminary norms, the selection of both literary works for translation and translators undertaking the endeavor should based on thorough investigation and review. Production of adequate translations does not necessarily mean indiscriminate utilization of foreignization strategy. Complete and coherent presentation of passages should receive no less importance than translation strategy.This dissertation is composed of seven chapters: introduction, literature review, theoretical basis, preliminary norms in two English versions of Xiyouji, operational norms in two English versions of Xiyouji, initial norm in two English versions of Xiyouji, conclusion.