A Study On Gladys Yang’s Cultural Identity And Translational Activities From The Post-colonial Perspective

This paper is based on the translator-oriented mode of translation historyresearch advocated by Anthony Pym. Pym claims that the relevant links of theresearch of translation history should begin and end with the translator, thustransferring the research focus to the translator·s subjectivity, which is in turninfluenced by the translator·s cultural identity profoundly. This paper adopts apost-colonial perspective. According to Douglas Robinson, the third stage ofPost-colonialism refers to our late-twentieth century perspective on political andcultural power relations, the historical period covering all human history. In light ofpost-colonial translation theory, the study of cultural identity can be divided into twophases:(1) How the translator·s cultural identity influences his/her translationalactivities;(2) How the translator·s translational activities shape the national andforeign countries· cultural identities. The two phases are interconnected andinterdependent.The goals of this research include:(1) To reveal the influence of the translator·scultural identity on his/her translational activities. The cultural identity of GladysYang is special in that it not only embodies double cultural identities, but also featuresfemale identity，thus exerting complicated influences on her translational activities;(2)To illuminate how the translator·s translational activities shape national identity. Thispaper examines the social-historical contexts in which Gladys introduced andtranslated Chinese literary works, and how these works were received abroad, hencehighlights the construction of China·s national image in this process.(3) To elucidatethe diverse powers exerted on the going abroadμ of Chinese literature, and to providerelevant suggestions. This paper attempts to expound how Chinese literary workswere introduced and translated from the1940s to the1980s, as well as the variousrestraining powers, in the hopes of offering pertinent suggestions and opinions.This paper combines quantitative with qualitative research. On one hand, itadopts empirical corpus analysis. By searching the translational corpus of the fourEnglish versions of Bianchen, relevant text analysis data can be yielded so as to shed light on Gladys· unique translational style. On the other hand, this paper also usessuch methods as exemplification, comprehensive analysis, induction and summary.Examples are singled out from different translated texts for micro analysis, and avariety of power elements in the formation of translated texts are brought to light.Thus the restraints on the translator·s translational activities and the characteristics ofthe translator·s cultural identity etc. can be induced. Meanwhile, this paper appliesboth diachronic and synchronic research methods. For one thing, it includes thecomparison of the four English versions of Bienchen formed at different historicalperiods, and of the representative works translated by Gladys at different stages of hertranslation career. For another, it contrasts Gladys· Leaden Wings against HowardGoldblatt·s Heavy Wings, which were translated at the same historical period.The breakthrough of this research lies in that it studies how the translator·s cultural identityis influenced by power from the post-colonial perspective, as well as reveals its characteristics.In particular, firstly, from the macroscopic view, Gladys possesses double national culturalidentity, the characteristics of which, as reflected in her translational activities, include hybridity,negotiability and mobility:(1) Hybridity. Gladys· double national cultural identity enables herto completely comprehend the spirit of the original work and to convey its flavor to the fullestextent, with a due respect for the reading habit of the target readers.(2) Negotiability. Gladys·translation strategies are subject to a network of powers at particular historical periods.Her given cultural identity resulted from the negotiation of diversified contradictionsand conflicts in a given period and context.(3) Mobility. Gladys· translation strategiesvary with the adjustment of her cultural identity. Her flexible translation methods inthe later period are an effective approach to promoting cultural communication;Secondly, from the microscopic view, Gladys· cultural identity is featured by herfemale identity. While introducing the New Period female Chinese writers, Gladyspaid full regard to the historical and practical problems that Chinese women wereconfronted with in their life. She took mild yet flexible methods to improve thefemale consciousness and to emphasize the feminism of the texts.