A Study Of Liu Wu-chi’s Translation Activities

Liu Wu-chi is a renowned poet,essayist and scholar.He has also been recognized as one of the most important founders of comparative literature studies between Chinese and English languages.In the hope of helping more people understand Liu’s contributions to Chinese translation,the thesis develops a systematic and comprehensive analysis of Liu’s translation activities,summarizing his views on translation,generalizing the corresponding features and value,analyzing the methods and techniques he had adopted in the process of translation,and summing up relevant characteristics and value of his translation as well.According to the study,Liu considered translation is closely interrelated with literary creation,and he suggested promoting Chinese vernacular literature through the translation and introduction of excellent foreign literary works.He also believed good translation can overtake the source text to some extent.While complying with the classical translation criterion of “Faithfulness”,Liu rigorously opposed to“word-for-word” translation.He viewed the re-translation of already translated source text as a temporary remedy.In addition,he prospectively proposed that Chinese translation should be supervised and promoted by the joint efforts among government departments,academic institutions and publications.Liu ’s rich translations of literary works range from poetry,novel,literary comment to drama and the like.His translation centers on literal translation supplemented by free translation.When translating a poem,he particularly exerted himself to keep the original form and rhymes.Furthermore,he was good at using varied translation techniques such as addition,omission,division,conversion and the like to convey the original spirit.Liu ’s translation practice is not only keeping pace with the times,but also clearly periodic and possessing distinct tendentiousness in selecting source text.His translation activities have exerted certain positive influence in promoting Chinese translation and the development of Chinese vernacular literature,the cultivation of English talents as well as the expansion of the Southern Society’s influence at home and abroad.