A Critical Analysis Of Zhang Zhenyu’s Translation Of Moment In Peking From The Perspective Of Adaptation Theory

Chinese literature plays a significant role in cross-cultural communication due to the rapid development of China’s international prestige and economy.As the classical literary works in modern China,Moment in Peking is setting a good example for introducing Chinese culture to the outside world,thus attracting many scholars to study the creation and translation of this works.This paper aims to critically study the classical translation of Moment in Peking,by Chinese scholar Zhang Zhenyu.Adaptation Theory is used as theoretical basis to investigate diverse translation strategies and research significance of adaptation theory applied in translation,together with studying translation adapted to the style and structure of the original text.It is hoped that this research can be one indication and reference for further translation studies related to Chinese culture.Four angles,contextual correlates of adaptability,structural objects of adaptability,dynamics of adaptability,and salience of adaptability of Adaptation Theory are adopted as specific tools to conduct the analysis.Qualitative analysis and case studies are used as major research methods.It can be found that Zhang Zhenyu’s translation is more widely accepted compared with the other translated versions.In addition,Chinese classic poems,novels,and philosophic literature are used in Zhang’s version.Meanwhile,addition and deletion strategy can effectively demonstrate dynamic process where language choice is related to text structure,context,timeline,logic and better conduct dynamics of adaptability for translation.Additionally,domestication strategy in translation practice was the translator’s priorities because readers will be Chinese.Furthermore,for translators,communication purpose and targeted readers orientation are key elements in spreading Chinese culture to the outside world.