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AWEJ for Translation & Literary Studies, Volume 7, Number 3. August 2023 Pp.184-198

Comparing Two Chinese Translations of Amoretti 67 Based on Reception Aesthetics

Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication
Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia

Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication
Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia

Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication
Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia

Abstract:

Similar to other sonnets, Edmund Spenser’s Amoretti followed Petrarchan courtship but also demonstrated the unique Spenserian form. Spenser’s superb creative skills profoundly influenced his contemporaries and the English poets of later generations. Nevertheless, the translation of Spenser’s sonnets began exceedingly late in China with few results. Guided by the horizon of expectation in reception aesthetics, this study compared Cao Minglun and Hu Jialuan’s versions of Amoretti Sonnet 67 (Amoretti 67) based on their content, rhyme, and language style. The main question is to understand what horizons of expectations Hu and Cao’s translations reflect based on reception aesthetics, and how do Hu and Cao’s horizons fuse with the original author’s horizon of expectation? Guided by translators’ vision of expectation, Hu emphasized that both the content and style of the translation should be faithful to the original text. Thus, Hu’s translation is the closest to the original poem. Contrarily, Cao’s translation sought a balance between the original text and the translation. Cao aimed to maintain the content and format of the original poetry while capitalizing on the strengths of the Chinese language. Both Chinese versions embody their translator’s values. The significance of this study extends to its implications for Chinese readers delving into Spenser’s poetic world. Analyzing Cao and Hu’s diverse strategies empowers readers to navigate Amoretti 67’s depth, fostering understanding of Spenser’s artistry and the intricacies of translation.

Cite as:

Yuqing, C. , Fang, N.C., & Zainal, Z. I.  (2023). Comparing Two Chinese Translations of Amoretti 67 Based on Reception Aesthetics. Arab World English Journal for Translation & Literary Studies 7 (3): 184-198. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awejtls/vol7no3.13

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Chen Yuqing is a Ph.D. student majoring in translation and interpretation. Chen is studying in the faculty of modern languages and communication at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her research areas include literary translation and translation criticism.
Orcid Id: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3306-9269

Dr. Ng Chwee Fang is an experienced senior lecturer at the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her specializations include Chinese linguistics, comparative linguistics, psycholinguistics, and linguistic typology.
Orcid Id: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2413-265X

Dr. Zainor Izat Bintl Zainal is an experienced senior lecturer at the Department of English, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her research areas include Malaysian literature in English, postcolonial ecocriticism, eco-Marxism, world literature, and teaching English literature in an ESL context.
Orcid Id: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5071-4181