An Analytical Study of Translating Astronomical Technology in the Yuan Dynasty to the West

Authors

  • Yanyan Liu Inner Mongolia University
  • Jinyu Liu Inner Mongolia University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1204.23

Keywords:

translation strategies, translation methods, astronomy, science and technology

Abstract

As an indispensable part of Chinese science and technology, astronomical technology in the Mongol Yuan Dynasty serves as a link between the development of the preceding periods and the following ones. It is a typical representative of splendid Mongolian culture and national history as well. The translation of Chinese science and technology can not only promote the cultural transmission but it is also of academic value. This article discusses the translation problems and strategies in translating astronomical technology in the Yuan Dynasty. Based on the text type of the technological monographs, and combining the two strategies of domestication and foreignization, this article attempts to render a proper way for the translation in the related field, contributing a share to the construction of China’s foreign discourse system and dissemination of excellent Chinese culture.

References

Bowker, L. (2020). Terminology. In M. Baker (ed.). Encyclopedia of Translation Studies. London and New York: Routledge, pp. 579-583.

Cao, D. H. (2006). A brief discussion on the translation of terminology. Shanghai Journal of Translators, (3), 67-70.

Catford, J. C. (1965). A linguistic theory of translation. London: Oxford University Press.

Dictionary of Chinese History—History of Science and Technology. (2000). Shanghai: Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House.

Jiang, X. Y. (2015). Astronomy. In Lu Y. X. (Ed.) A history of Chinese science and technology (vol. 1) (pp. 41-119). Shanghai: Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press & Berlin Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag.

Liu, J. Y. (2014). Translating intangible cultural heritage in an ethnolinguistic community: a case study of the site of Xanadu in Inner Mongolia. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 5(6), 1334-1339.

Martzloff, J. (2016). Astronomy and calendars—the other Chinese mathematics. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.

Morgan, D. P. (2013). Knowing heaven: astronomy, the calendar, and the sagecraft of science in early imperial China. The University of Chicago.

Needham, J. (1954). Science and civilisation in China (vol. 1): introductory orientations. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Needham, J. (1959). Science and civilisation in China (vol. 3): mathematics and the sciences of the heavens and the earth. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Newmark, P. (1981). Approaches to translation. Oxford and New York: Pergamon, republished 2001 by Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.

Newmark, P. (1988). A textbook of translation. New York and London: Prentice Hall.

Nida, E. A. (1964). Toward a science of translating. Leiden: E. J. Brill.

Reiss, K. (1976). Texttyp und Übersetzungsmethode: Der operative Text, Kronberg: Scriptor Verlag.

Sager, Juan C. (1990). A practical course in terminology processing. Amsterdam and Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

Schleiermarcher, A. (1992). On the different methods of translation. In R. Schulte & J. Biguenet (ed.). Theories of Translation: An Anthology of Essays from Dryden to Derrida. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 36-54.

Tytler, A. F. (1978). Essay on the principles of translation. Amsterdam: John Benjamins B.V.

Venuti, L. (1998). Strategies of translation. In M. Baker (ed.). Encyclopedia of Translation Studies. London and New York: Routledge, pp. 240-244.

Venuti, L.(1995). The translators’ invisibility. London and New York: Routledge.

Wei, X. Q. (2010), Internationalization and nationalization: thoughts on translation strategy of terms in humanities and social sciences. Nanjing Journal of Social Sciences, (5), 116-121.

Xi. Z. Z. (1981). New studies in the history of Chinese astronomy. Isis, 72(3), 456-470.

Xiong, B. (2014). Conceptual confusion in translation studies—take “translation strategies”, “translation methods” and “translation techniques” for example. Chinese Translators Journal, (3), 82-88.

Xu, J. P. (2018). A Practical Course of English Chinese Mutual Translation (5th edition). Beijing: Tsinghua University Press.

Yi, S. T. (1984). Exploration on restoration of the Yuan Dynasty Gnomon. Studies in the History of Natural Science, (2), 128-137.

Yun, F. (1994). A History of Chinese Science and Technology in the Yuan Dynasty. Beijing: People’s Publishing House.

Downloads

Published

2022-04-02

Issue

Section

Articles