On The Feasibility Of The Application Of Receptive Aesthetics To Literary Translation

The aesthetics of reception and translation studies are closely related. Nowadays, more and more translation theorists and translators carry on their translation studies under the instruction of aesthetics of reception. Starting from the definition of translation studies, the author of this thesis points out that translation studies shall partly move its attention from text-centered to reader-centered. She suggests that the reader is not a passive acceptor and he has his own subjectivity. Reader is a key factor that the translator should take into consideration during the translation activity. Only if the reader accepts the translation, and makes the expected response, can the activity be successful. Otherwise, the translation will not realize its value.The author hence elaborates first the development of aesthetics of reception and its major viewpoints. Some important concepts such as "horizon of expectations", "indeterminacy of the text meaning" and "reader response theory" offer a firm ground to literary translation studies. Then she discusses the feasibility of the application of receptive aesthetics to literary translation and the manifestations. Finally, the author comes to a conclusion that aesthetics of reception is a new approach to literary translation. Therefore, it is meaningful and worthwhile to study literary translation from the perspective of aesthetics of reception, which is quite helpful for translators, through which, they will get a more comprehensive understanding of and a more objective attitude towards this phenomenon. In no doubt, this study will help improve translation quality and broaden the scope of translation studies in China.