一部抗译的经典及其商品化——论《尤利西斯》中译本“畅销”的原因

Untranslatability and the Commodification of a Classic:Reasons for the Popularity of Two Ulysses Translations

本文探讨乔伊斯《尤利西斯》在20世纪90年代的两个译本如何为普罗大众所接受。萧乾/文洁若和金堤的译本得以广受欢迎(以至"畅销"),背后因素有多个,包括:出版社巧妙地利用宣传和营销手段;批评家强调作品艰涩难译;色情描写官司提高了普通读者的兴趣;等等。从这样一个例子看到,经典文学的翻译成功地商业化了;文化商品超越了语言和国界,人人皆可消费。

This article explores the reasons why two translations of James Joyce＇s Ulysses,by Xiao Qian/Wen Jieruo and Jin Di,were overwhelmingly received by ordinary readers when published in the mid-1990 s. The novel＇s canonical status,readers＇ heightened expectations,promotional strategies adopted by the publishers,the positive critical appraisals,even happenstance（ the obscenity trials） —all these were factors conducive to enthusiastic reception. This case study,in particular,shows that numerous extra-textual factors can explain the popularity of certain translations. It also is a unique example of how elitist literature can be ＂commercialized＂in translation.