Translation of modern Chinese literature in America - An interview with Jeffrey C. Kinkley

Authors

Keywords:

translation field of modern Chinese literature, social agents, literary translation, reception of translation, Jeffrey C Kinkley

Abstract

The field of translation of modern Chinese literature in America deserves more attention than it has gained. In this interview. Prof. Kinkley, an American historian and sinologist and a translator of Shen Congwen and other Chinese writers, shares with us a scholar translator's interpretation of different cultural and aesthetic norms and values of literature which are frequently encountered in literary translation. Issues covered include the dynamic relationship between the translator and other social agents such as publishers, editors, and book reviewers, the conditions of the reception of Chinese literature as compared with other "foreign" literatures in America, and of translated modern Chinese literature as compared with that of contemporary Chinese literature. The interview also covers issues of readers' expectation, of the complexity of international relationship, and of promoting one's own culture and soft power. As a renowned scholar of historyand literature and a literary translator, Prof. Kinkley's view is exceptionally insightful both for scholarly reflection and for translation practice.

 

Author Biography

Minhui Xu, University of Macau

Minhui Xu is Associate Professor of the Department of English of University of Macau. Before joining UM, she was Professor of Ocean University of China. She holds a PhD in Translation Studies, and is author of English Translations of Shen Congwen’s Stories – A Narrative Perspective (2013). She has published in refereed journals both in English and in Chinese, including Target: International Journal of Translation Studies, Perspectives: Studies in Translation Theory and Practice, and Chinese Translators Journal. Her main research area is translation studies, with special interest in translation theory, translation history, literary translation, sociology of translation, and translation and intercultural studies.

Published

2019-09-17

Issue

Section

Interviews