A Study On English Translation Strategies In Shuihu Zhuan From The Perspective Of Game Theory

Shuihu Zhuan is a monument in Chinese ancient literature and stays on a top of the latest development of Chinese classical novels. It is well-known and popular at home and abroad, the image of those 108 good brave fellows has been so deeply in human mind. It is a bridge for us to introduce Chinese culture to foreign readers by translating ancient classics. For nearly a century, our four classic Chinese works were frequently translated in foreign versions and spread abroad, which among of them have made great contributions to spreading Chinese culture. There are four English complete translations so far which have played an important role in English-speaking countries and domestic translation scholars. Since the Outlaws of the Marsh has been included in Library of Chinese Classics of the Foreign Languages Press as the most authoritative version at present, many domestic translation researchers have given greater emphasis to his Outlaws of the Marsh and keep increasing year by year. However, although there are some achievements on researching these translations, they still have flaws in systematic theoretical basis since their opinions were usually based on personal experience and knowledge. The game theory precisely fills this gap by the reason of emphasizing the importance of understanding other’s thoughts, position and concept. This thesis takes a description analysis by applying game theory to Outlaws of the Marsh. It analyzes the game process between a translator and original author, client, the target readers and publisher, the bridge of game theory and the selection of translation strategy. Besides, the thesis tries to reach a conclusion:Shapiro’s translation is an outcome of continual readjustment translation strategy along with the external condition. The multilateral game will definitely promote translation flourish.This thesis is made up of four chapters except for introduction and conclusion. First of all, in the section of introduction states general information including research background, review of research, the objectives and significance of this research and research methodology.Chapter one summarizes and talks about overseas dissemination of Shuihu Zhuan, and the current state of English translation of this book so that bring up a broader research space. Chapter two, a detailed theoretical framework of this thesis is explained, describing the definition of game theory and relationship between game theory and translation. Chapter three elaborates related information about Shuihu Zhuan and Shapiro’s Outlaws of the Marsh, putting emphasis on the historical and cultural context of this version. Chapter four is a priority for all, through analysis the translation strategy Shapiro used in the translation, explore the reason that why a translator chose its appropriate translation strategy in different game relationship. Finally, the conclusion is obtained in the last part.