A Study Of John Minford’s English Translation Of Liao Zhai Zhi Yi From The Perspective Of Thick Translation

Liao Zhai Zhi Yi,a collection of short stories written in classical Chinese by Pu Songling,an outstanding writer in the Qing Dynasty,has fascinated numerous readers with its bizarre plots and various characters.A large number of thick translation methods have been employed in Minford’s English version to present the rich Chinese cultural connotations in Liao Zhai Zhi Yi and its distinctive classical Chinese language style,which can make up for the loss of cultural information caused by cultural differences.From the perspective of thick translation theory,the thesis discusses and analyzes the application of thick translation in John Minford’s English version of Liao Zhai Zhi Yi.First,the manifestations of thick translation in the book are discussed: 1)out-of-text additions,such as the translator’s preface,illustrations and endnotes,etc.;2)in-text additions,such as amplification by providing information and literal translation with explanations.Secondly,this thesis makes comments on John Minford’s deployment of thick translation strategies in his English version,clarifying that thick translation can more accurately and authentically display the flavor of the source text,arouse the target readers’ interest in Chinese literature and culture,provide readers and other translators with abundant references,and offer other translators with a feasible way of translating classical Chinese literature.By exploring the examples of thick translation manifested in the translation,the thesis draws conclusions as follows: Minford’s English version of Liao Zhai Zhi Yi demonstrates the source culture to the target readers through thick translation strategies such as out-of-text annotations and in-text annotations,prompting the target readers to understand and respect the source culture.His translation proves thick translation strategies can make up for the cultural default in the process of translating classical literary works and promote the dissemination of Chinese literature and culture.