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literary translation
sor Fang Huawen is manifested in the explanation of the profound and abstract
knowledge in humorous and simple terms. Professor Fang entertains readers with
many marvellous translation episodes and condensed translation theories so that
readers may appreciate them in vivid panorama. The masterpiece is well-organized, logical and easy to remember. It is not a didactic textbook, for the author of
this book aims to enable readers to enjoy the picturesque translation scenery of
the 20th century in China, as a guide does to his tourists. As the author puts it in
the preface (Fang: 2005: 1) the aim of the book is to go out of ivory tower, and to
serve a large number of foreign language learners with knowledge and delight.
The writer of the thesis states that the book evoked positive responses among the
graduate students of Soochow University.
The third feature manifests itself in putting together the invaluable translation
theories which are spread over various fields. China boasts of a long translation
history and translation theory research. But Chinas traditional translation theories are like shells, left and forgotten here and there. The author of the masterpiece is just like a shell picker who blends the random and impressionistic views
on Chinas translation into an organic whole. The pattern of the development of
Chinas translation theory after 1919 is reflected in the monumental book. Such
theories as Liang Qichaos three contributions to Buddhist scripture translation,
Yan Fus three-character criterion (faithfulness, expressiveness, elegance), Qian
Zhongshus transfiguration, Yu Guangzhongs recreation art, Liu Zhongdes translation criterion (faithfulness, expressiveness, closeness) are all portrayed in the
book.
Note
1. The full bibliographical details are: The Translation History of China in the 20th Century.
fang huawen, 229, North Taibai Road, Xian, PRC, 2005 651p. isbn 9787560419985. Price:
RMB 35.
References
Chen, Fukang. 2000. A History of Translation Theory in China. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Languages Education Press. 529 pp.
Delisle, Jean & Judith Woodsworth 1995. Translators through History. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. xvi+345 pp.
Fang Huawen. 2005. The Translation History of China in the 20th Century. Xian: Northwest University Press. 651 pp.
Fan Shouyi. 2004. Translation Studies: Alternative Perspectives. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. 568 pp.