| This thesis traces the evolution of an important genre of Chinese literature, martial arts fiction---broadly defined as fiction on martial arts themes---and discusses the English translation of certain works in that genre. The works of Jin Yong (Zha Liangyong or Louis Cha, 1924-- ), arguably the most important contemporary writer in the genre, will be analyzed in detail as a representative case.;The first part of the thesis (chapters 1 and 2) is a genre study. Martial arts themes have occupied an important place in Chinese fiction since the Tang Dynasty. The works can be found in both traditions of Chinese fictions---in the literary language and in the vernacular. From the ninth century to the early twentieth century, men of letters continued to write short stories about mysterious swordsmen in the literary language. On the other hand, the less-educated storytellers, who flourished in China's cities from roughly the fourteenth century, told long romances in the vernacular concerning heroes and generals. These two systems finally merged in the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republican Era, to produce a contemporary genre of popular fiction, wuxia xiaoshuo or the martial arts novel (in its narrow sense), which combines almost every element and motif of the two systems.;Contemporary martial arts fiction flourished in Shanghai and Tianjin between the 1920s and 1949, and has continued to be widely written and read in Hong Kong and Taiwan since 1949. Jin Yong is without doubt the most popular and successful practitioner of the genre after 1949. His phenomenal popularity has transcended political boundaries, and his novels have become the shared language of Chinese readers throughout the world. Chapter Two analyzes his works of different periods, and the relation between his works and the tradition. The findings include, he inherits the form of narration and love motifs from the pre-War martial arts novelists, but inherits the theme of nationhood from earlier models: the general legends of Ming and Qing Dynasties. Meanwhile, his fiction as political satire is his unique innovation. Since he deconstructs many premises of martial arts fiction in his later works, it can be said that he is also the terminator of the genre.;The second part of the thesis (chapters 3 and 4) is a study of translation, being devoted to the English translations of the genre since the eighteen century. The translators face many challenges. Later authors repeatedly allude to motifs of previous works, they write in the context of the martial arts tradition. Lexicon, certain types of characters, and similar plots are manifestations of this tradition. Translators' decisions on lexicon, editing and other approaches are often influenced by the awareness of this tradition. Translators of Jin Yong face even more challenges. The novels of Jin Yong are deliberate celebrations of Chineseness, full of nostalgic touches and allusions. In Chapter Four, various translation strategies of four English translations are discussed in detail. Suggestions of translating Jin Yong are also provided. |
