A Hermeneutic Approach To The Translation Of Confucian Classics

For years George Steiner's After Babel has been the standard history of translation-oriented hermeneutical theory, brilliantly demonstrating translation's fourfold motion. Since its appearance, however, the translation world has speculated little about how hermeneutics should be used to guide translating practice. The purpose of this thesis is to present a hermeneutic approach to the translation of Confucian classics.A hermeneutic approach to translation assumes that both diachronic and synchronic interpretation can be integrated into the translation world. Chapter One of this thesis primarily introduces the diachronic interpretation of Confucian classics, i.e., the history of Chinese Confucian Exegesis.Chapter Two explores the problems in the synchronic translation of Confucian classics into English. In order to clarify the problems, a distinction is made between "meaning translation" and "significance translation". The onto-hermeneutical theory of three levels of meaning is also applied to analyzing these problems. When all the three levels of meaning are considered, significance translation can be avoided.Chapter Three probes into the motives for diverse interpretations. Since classics are far from us, across space and time, many motives such as cultural background, personal temperament, political consideration, historical change and hermeneulical tradition will influence our interpreting of Confucian classics. The negative influences of these motives can be shaken off or at least weakened if the translators choose to. Then "meaning translation" will be produced.