Translation Violence

The concept of “translation violence” has aroused strong reactions in our academic circles since its introduction.Firstly,translation violence is widespread in translation practice.Secondly,the theoretical basis of translation violence lies in cultural differences,different national political awareness,the use of translation strategies and the translators’ subjectivity.In addition,the author divides translation violence into mild violence and manipulative violence,and analyses how Steven Owen’s translation violence gives the translation a strong Chinese style in the light of the English translation of Wenxin Diaolong;his creative manipulative translation violence is reflected in the translation of exotic moods,especially in the handling of quotations and “zan”.He also manages to use translation violence to the right degree,allowing the target audience to experience a thorough cultural baptism.Such treatment is conducive to meeting the expectations of the target language readers,expanding the language and culture of the target language,and promoting dialogue between Chinese and Western literature,as well as providing a favourable direction for thinking about the English translation of Chinese classics and the strategy of“going abroad” of Chinese culture.Finally,it is revealed that translation violence provides a constant input of foreign culture into the language and culture of the target language,thus promoting its healthy and sustainable development.Translation violence helps readers to broaden their understanding of other cultures,broaden their own cultural horizons,facilitate the acceptance of the source language culture by the target audience,and expand the influence of the source language culture.Translators should face “translation violence” with a positive and open mind.This article reviews the development of the theory of translation violence,analyses its rationale,and examines the translation of Wenxin Diaolong by Steven Owen in the light of mild violence and manipulative violence to reveal the significance of translation violence and its implications for the English translation of canonical texts.