University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Three English (Re)translations of the Chinese Historical Novel Three Kingdoms (Sanguo yanyi): An Analysis of Social Context, Paratext and Text
Abstract
dc:description.abstract(Re)translations are essential in maintaining the currency and vitality of the source text through its evolving interpretations. The Retranslation Hypothesis (RH), despite sparking extensive scholarly debate, provides a foundation for delving into the concept of “closeness” between the source and target texts. This study critically examines the validity of the RH through an in-depth analysis of three English (re)translations of the Chinese classic, Three Kingdoms (Sanguo yanyi), published in 1925, 1991, and 2014. The study employs textual and paratextual approaches to scrutinize manipulations exerted by translators and other agents, aiming to interpret these (re)translations within their distinct sociohistorical contexts. The exploration is conducted by contextualizing the (re)translations within the societal ideologies and norms of their respective eras, considering the translators’ experiences, historical contexts, and reader feedback. A qualitative analysis of the paratexts unveils strategic adjustments of
Degree
thesis:*- Name dc:type.qualificationname
- dprof
- Level dc:type.qualificationlevel
- doctoral
- Grantor dc:publisher.institution
- University of Wales Trinity Saint David
- Year dc:date.issued
- 2024
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Wang, Juan
Subjects
dc:subject × 1Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Dc Identifier Grantnumber
- UWTSD
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3171