With a focus on The Great Learning （Daxue 大学）, this paper explores the specific exegetical or hermeneutical methodology adopted by James Legge in his translation of this Confucian canonical text. It begins with an...With a focus on The Great Learning （Daxue 大学）, this paper explores the specific exegetical or hermeneutical methodology adopted by James Legge in his translation of this Confucian canonical text. It begins with an analysis of the translation theory endorsed by Legge, comparing his translation with those of Ku Hung-ming and Wing-tsit Chan. The second part aims to explicate the hermeneutic dilemma faced by Legge in his dealing with this text. It looks at the intellectual context in which Legge＇s scholarship on the Chinese classics had developed, as well as the academic standard he was required to maintain throughout his translation. Overall, Legge＇s familiarity with Qing scholarship makes it interesting to determine where and why he follows or rejects Zhu Xi. Given Legge＇s Christian missionary background and the sense of mission pervading Zhu Xi＇s commentary, we conclude that Legge＇s affinity with Zhu Xi is much more subtle and complex than previously speculated： the difference in their approach to Confucian texts cannot be reduced to a contrast between construction and deconstruction or between canonization and decanonization.展开更多
Thick translation is one of the effective ways of classics translation.Since the Shijing’s introduction to the west,there have been many English versions with their own characteristics.This paper selects James Legge...Thick translation is one of the effective ways of classics translation.Since the Shijing’s introduction to the west,there have been many English versions with their own characteristics.This paper selects James Legge’s 1871 version of the Shi King to discusses the depth of its translation from the perspective of preface,annotation and cultural interpretation,then evaluate the guid⁃ing role of Legge's translation and its great significance to Chinese culture.展开更多
文摘With a focus on The Great Learning （Daxue 大学）, this paper explores the specific exegetical or hermeneutical methodology adopted by James Legge in his translation of this Confucian canonical text. It begins with an analysis of the translation theory endorsed by Legge, comparing his translation with those of Ku Hung-ming and Wing-tsit Chan. The second part aims to explicate the hermeneutic dilemma faced by Legge in his dealing with this text. It looks at the intellectual context in which Legge＇s scholarship on the Chinese classics had developed, as well as the academic standard he was required to maintain throughout his translation. Overall, Legge＇s familiarity with Qing scholarship makes it interesting to determine where and why he follows or rejects Zhu Xi. Given Legge＇s Christian missionary background and the sense of mission pervading Zhu Xi＇s commentary, we conclude that Legge＇s affinity with Zhu Xi is much more subtle and complex than previously speculated： the difference in their approach to Confucian texts cannot be reduced to a contrast between construction and deconstruction or between canonization and decanonization.
文摘Thick translation is one of the effective ways of classics translation.Since the Shijing’s introduction to the west,there have been many English versions with their own characteristics.This paper selects James Legge’s 1871 version of the Shi King to discusses the depth of its translation from the perspective of preface,annotation and cultural interpretation,then evaluate the guid⁃ing role of Legge's translation and its great significance to Chinese culture.
