Chinese literature in translation has a rich history spanning centuries. Early Jesuit missionaries sparked European interest by translating Confucian classics. This laid the groundwork for the academic field of Sinology, which emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the 20th century, influential translators like Arthur Waley and Ezra Pound brought Chinese poetry to Western audiences. Lin Yutang and Burton Watson further expanded the scope of translated works, while David Hawkes' translation of The Story of the Stone became a landmark achievement.
Early Translations and Sinology
Jesuit Missionaries and Early Translations
- Jesuit missionaries were among the first Europeans to study Chinese language and culture in the 16th and 17th centuries
- Matteo Ricci, an Italian Jesuit, was one of the most influential early missionaries who learned Chinese and translated Confucian classics into Latin (The Four Books)
- Nicolas Trigault, a French Jesuit, translated Ricci's journals into Latin, which became a primary source of information about China for Europeans
- These early translations, although not always accurate, sparked interest in Chinese culture and literature among European intellectuals
The Rise of Sinology
- Sinology, the academic study of Chinese language, history, and culture, emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries
- Early sinologists, such as Jean-Pierre Abel-Rémusat and Stanislas Julien, translated Chinese texts and taught Chinese language in European universities
- Sinologists played a crucial role in introducing Chinese literature to the Western world and laid the foundation for more accurate and comprehensive translations in the 20th century
Influential 20th Century Translators
Arthur Waley and Ezra Pound
- Arthur Waley, an English orientalist, translated numerous Chinese texts, including the Analects of Confucius and the poetry of Li Bai and Du Fu
- Waley's translations were known for their clarity, elegance, and accessibility, making Chinese literature more appealing to a wider audience
- Ezra Pound, an American poet, was influenced by Chinese poetry and incorporated its themes and techniques into his own work (Cathay)
- Pound's translations, although often based on earlier English translations, helped popularize Chinese poetry among modernist writers and readers
Lin Yutang and Burton Watson
- Lin Yutang, a Chinese writer and translator, introduced Chinese culture and philosophy to the English-speaking world through his translations and original works (The Importance of Living)
- Lin's translations and essays presented a more nuanced and sympathetic view of Chinese culture, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions
- Burton Watson, an American scholar and translator, translated a wide range of Chinese texts, from ancient classics to Tang dynasty poetry
- Watson's translations were known for their accuracy, readability, and poetic sensibility, setting a high standard for future translators
David Hawkes and The Story of the Stone
- David Hawkes, a British sinologist, is best known for his translation of the classic Chinese novel, The Story of the Stone (also known as Dream of the Red Chamber)
- Hawkes' translation, published in five volumes between 1973 and 1986, is considered a masterpiece of translation and a landmark in the history of Chinese literature in the West
- The Story of the Stone, a complex and psychologically profound novel, became more accessible to English-speaking readers through Hawkes' translation, which captured the nuances and beauty of the original text
Contemporary Translators
New Generations of Translators and Expanding Horizons
- Contemporary translators continue the legacy of their predecessors, bringing a wider range of Chinese literature to global audiences
- Howard Goldblatt has translated numerous modern and contemporary Chinese novels, including works by Mo Yan (Nobel Prize laureate) and Jia Pingwa
- Julia Lovell has translated works by Lu Xun, one of the most influential writers in modern Chinese literature, as well as contemporary authors like Han Shaogong and Zhu Wen
- Ken Liu, an American author and translator, has translated science fiction and fantasy works by Chinese writers, such as Liu Cixin's The Three-Body Problem, which has gained international acclaim
- As more contemporary Chinese literature is translated, readers around the world gain access to diverse voices and perspectives, enriching the global literary landscape