Author(s)

Xiufen Wang¹, Xiaolin Zhao², Hai Wang^1,2

¹School of Interpreting and Translation Studies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China.
²School of Journalism and Communication, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China.

In the early 19^th century, western missionaries in China founded periodicals like the Chinese Repository to introduce the social situation, culture, and customs in China. In the Chinese Repository, there are a large number of translations of Chinese traditional classic books among which is Soushen Ji and translations of other mythical stories. Mythical images of Chinese mythology are important parts of Soushen Ji because they are representative of Chinese culture and the embodiment of Chinese aesthetics. The translators at that time use certain patterns to translate the mythical images of Chines mythology in order to better introduce Chinese culture and to help readers learn about what the original texts look like. By analyzing the translated text in the Chinese Repository, it is concluded that there are mainly four translation patterns. They are: Cantonese Pinyin + liberal translation in English + background information; liberal translation in English + Cantonese Pinyin + annotation; liberal translation in English + annotation; pictures + Chinese meaning + Cantonese Pinyin + (liberal translation in English) + background information. Against the background of spreading Chinese culture overseas, figuring out an effective way to achieve this goal is important. To discuss the translations by native translators can not only help understand the translation strategies they apply but also provide a reference for translation of Chinese mythology and other similar materials.

Chinese Mythical Images, Translation Patterns, Soushen Ji, The Chinese Repository

Wang, X. , Zhao, X. and Wang, H. (2022) A Study of the Translation Patterns of Mythical Images of Chinese Mythology. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 10, 1-10. doi: 10.4236/jss.2022.1010001.