On 14 December, Prof. John T. P. Lai from Chinese University of HongKong gave a lecture at UIC on the English translation of the Dream of the Red Chamber, a masterpiece of Chinese vernacular literature and one of China's Four Great Classical Novels. By drawing a comparison between two English translation versions of "the Song of Goodness and Regrets" which appeared in the novel, he illustrated cultural and religious differences and then answered students' questions.
For a good lead-in, Professor Lai gave a description of the author and theme of the novel in English. Then he compared the jointly-translated version of Chinese translators called Yang Hsien-yi and Gladys Yang with the one translated by a foreigner called David Hawkes. He probed into the impact which the local culture had on the English translation from culture-specific terms and rhyme scheme. Finally, he analyzed characteristics of Domesticating translation Foreignizing translation respectively and their different target readers. Teaching staff Gary and Michelle from the English Language Center shared their readings of Dream of the Red Chamber with their own cultural perspectives, which left a deep impression on the students.
During the interaction, students caught chances of asking questions. Certain student asked about what qualities an excellent translator should possess. Professor Lai put the emphasis on the open-mindedness and curious attitude. He encouraged students to communicate Chinese culture by English translation and also welcomed foreigners who are interested in the Chinese culture to get a deeper insight by reading more translations of Chinese literature.
Some student said they had deeper understandings of translating after the speech and realized that there was a long way to go for translators before the abundant Chinese cultural resources could be shared internationally.
Written by Huang Shanqing
Edited by Richard Xu
Photo by Yang Yixin
Media and Communication Office
