《好逑传》英译史与中国形象的异域构建

Hau Kiou Choaan and the Image of China from the 18th to the 19th Century in Britain

通过聚焦译者微观史,本文梳理早期中英文化交流史上的两位译者围绕《好逑传》英译实施的编译操控及其对“中国形象”的异域构建,旨在揭示翻译与“讲述中国故事”的渊源由来已久。同时,本文也提出历史、译者和译本的互动研究视角可挖掘《好逑传》英译史研究的另一层意义,即通过译者文化过滤的翻译选择和翻译策略了解“中国形象”在英国的历时建构历程,折射18-19世纪中英外交和文化交流的状态,从而充分发挥翻译学的跨学科研究优势。

Focusing on translator study and adopting the method of translation micro-history,this paper sorts out the China-related translation practices by Percy and Davis,two of the earliest British translators;by so doing,the writer of the paper aims to have a clear understanding of translator manipulation and China image appropriation via the translation of Hau Kiou Choaan in particular.In the end,it is proposed that the interactive study of history,translators and translated versions can be expected to elevate translation studies to a new position,shedding light on more critical historical issues such as the negotiation of China image in Britain and Sino-British diplomacy.