A Report On Proofreading English Version Of Diaries Of Xu Xiake's Travels (Library Of Chinese Classics)

Diaries ofXu Xiake's Travels written in the style of diary minutely and faithfully describes what Xu Xiake saw in his 34 years'travels. Because of its value in literature and science, the translation from Chinese to foreign languages is of great significance. Planned, organized and implemented by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People's Republic of China, Library of Chinese Classics is a key national publishing project. Its main task is to translate Chinese classics into foreign languages and thus to promote Chinese culture, literature and language to the whole world. The English translation of Diaries of Xu Xiake's Travels belongs to LCC project and the author is in charge of proofreading its English version. According to the assignment of task, the author has finished proofreading two chapters. This report is produced on the basis of this proofreading practice.There are totally four parts in this report. Firstly, this report introduces the background of proofreading project in terms of the source of project, the detailed introduction to proofreading task and responsibilities of a proofreader. Secondly, it covers the course of preparation before proofreading, which contains demand analysis, schedule planning as well as related technology and resources support. Thirdly, it describes the implementation of proofreading, which is the most important part. In this chapter, the author classifies errors in the proofreading process into errors in understanding and errors in restructuring according to translation process-analysis, transfer and restructuring-put forward by Eugene Nida, gives many examples to explain and analyze two error types, and represents quality control process. Fourthly, it displays experience gained from this proofreading project in the matter of experience about proofreading and experience about translation of Chinese classics. According to proofreading process, the author believes that effective ways of proofreading and good qualifications of the proofreader are keys to success of the proofreading and a translation of good quality. Based on errors found in the project and current situation of translation of Chinese classics, the author holds that it is a challenge for Chinese translators to translate cultural connotation implied in classics, so they should attach importance to improvement of bilingual ability, broad understanding of Chinese and Western cultures and good preparation before translation.