On The Philosophical Translation Of "Zhuangzi"

In this paper I will consider and explore the philosophical translation of ancient Chinese classics with a special focus on Taoist classic Zhuangzi.By mainly referencing the seven Inner Chapters of Zhuangzi,this paper aims to compare and examine previous research on Zhuangzi’s philosophy as well as previous translations of Zhuangzi,in order to prepare for my future philosophical translation.A literary as well as a philosophical classic,Zhuangzi has been central to Chinese thought for at least two millennia.By the scholarly consensus,the Inner Chapters of the Zhuangzi were written in mid-Warring States Period(fourth century BC),and the first English translation was produced 138 years ago.By my count,so far there are twenty-four English translations of Zhuangzi,among which only four have been translated by Chinese,and the vast majority(roughly 80%)were by Western translators.The obvious need for a new Chinese translation,as well as some regrettable mistakes in the existing translations,have spurred me to research on proposing a new translation of Zhuangzi.Meanwhile,taking Zhuangzi as a starting point,allows me to introduce the recent secondary research by contemporary Chinese scholars.My goal is to bring new and prudent results while breaking down stereotypes,prejudices,or misunderstandings about ancient Chinese philosophy.Another factor is that although the text of Zhuangzi contains extensive content of a philosophical nature,the major focus up to now has been on literary translation of the text,which has failed to elucidate the systematic thought underlying the Zhuangzi.The three parts of the Zhuangzi — the Inner Chapters,the Outer Chapters and the Miscellaneous Chapters — form an integral Zhuangzi,and each chapter has its own structure and logic.Therefore,a philosophical translation is more important than a mere appreciation of the fine rhetoric or imagination we see in the chapter,especially if it manages to capture the depth and charm of pre-Qin philosophy.Such a translation,if done well,would justify the status and influence of Zhuangzi in the history of philosophy.This paper is comprised of six chapters.Chapter 1 introduces the motivation,meanings,frameworks,difficulties and innovations of this paper,with a literature review summarizing previous research.Chapter 2 includes an analysis of the history of Zhuangzian studies and the English translation of Zhuangzi.Aiming to testify the feasibility of philosophical translation as an imperative method of translating Zhuangzi,Chapter 3 studies the main perspectives of the current translations by examining the pros and cons,which is followed by a clarification of the essence,meaning and methodology of philosophical translation.Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 construct the framework of Zhuangzi philosophy from the perspectives of western philosophy and Chinese philosophy respectively.These two chapters form a complete philosophical structure by fusing the horizons of Chinese and western philosophy,meanwhile are amplified by a detailed analysis and comparison of current translations with a new translation of my own.Chapter 6 draws a conclusion and suggest further study on the subject of philosophical translation.The research methods applied in this paper include textual interpretation,logical analysis,analysis of literature and comparative study,respectively.Textual interpretation requires a meticulous reading of the original classic and is the cornerstone or the whole research;logical analysis requires clear and rigorous procedures of analysis based on reasoning;analysis of literature refers to the study and classification of secondary research materials and their values;comparative study is essential when comparing Chinese and western scholars on their views about Zhuangzi,also when comparing the different strategies and effects of rival translations.Methodologically,this project proposes several concrete approaches in philosophical translation based on the research paradigm of Chinese philosophy.Via thorough research and prudent translation of ancient Chinese classics,this project will conduce to foster cultural and philosophical exchanges between China and the west.