Intersubjectivity In Drama Translation

With further researches on intersubjectivity in translation, translation studies are gradually shifting to intersubjectivity. The appearance of intersubjectivity is a new perspective providing theoretical basis in philosophy to solve the shortages of subjectivity as well as to promote the mutual understanding among translation subjects. Grounded on Habermas’ Theory of Communicative Action, this thesis adopts that the original author, translator and reader in the target language are all subjects in translation that show their respect to each other and are involved in an equal relationship of conversation. In addition, the famous drama Teahouse by Lao She is employed to do a detailed analysis on intersubjectivity in practical process of translation from the perspective of Habermas’ intersubjectivity.This thesis makes a review on subjects and intersubjectivity in philosophy and explains the concept of intersubjectivity in the view of Habermas’ Theory of Communicative Action at the beginning of the thesis. Habermas’ Theory of Communicative Action supports the communication with the centre of intersubjectivity which lays emphasis on communication relationship among multi-subjects rather than subordination relationship between subjects and objects. Habermas points out that intersubjectivity ought to set up with the foundation of mutual respect and equal conversation and that only in this way can an effective dialogue be achieved. In addition, there come up with the classification of subjects in translation and related researches at home and abroad as well. And Habermas’ intersubjectivity is applied in translation so as to do a better research on the relationship between subjects in translation. Next, this thesis elaborates the literariness of drama together with drama translation through characteristics of drama and features of drama language. Besides, the drama Teahouse by Lao She and its two English translators are introduced to readers. Finally, the main part is about the detailed analysis on intersubjectivity in Teahouse by Lao She and its two English versions. The aim is to discuss the application and manifestation of intersubjectivity in two English versions of this drama by conversations among the original author, two translators and the reader in the target language.The conclusion lays stress on equal status among all subjects in translation. This thesis agrees that the conversations among the original author, translator and reader in the target language are conductive to bring us an excellent translation. In other words, a good version can be regarded as the outcome of dialogues among all subjects in translation. The theory of intersubjectivity can offer a solid foundation in philosophy and a new point of view for researches on drama translation.