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Analyzing the Contextualization of English Translations of Sanguo Yanyi: Exploring the Portrayal of Liu Bei's Image through Translation

Xinyu Chang, Hui Tan, Juan Wang
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21013/jems.v19.n4.p4
Abstract
Sanguo Yanyi, as an original Chinese episodic novel, has captivated numerous readers with its grand narrative, formidable characters, and gripping portrayal of war. Not only has this epic tale gained immense popularity within China, but it has also crossed borders and been translated into English in three distinct versions. The first translation, undertaken by C.H. Brewitt-Taylor in 1925, was shaped by the specific historical and cultural context of its time. This was followed by Moss Roberts' translation in 1991, and most recently, Yu Sumei's in 2014. Each translation bears its own unique characteristics influenced by their respective historical and cultural backgrounds. Through a combined quantitative and qualitative approach, this research delves into the translation of Liu Bei's image as a case study, aiming to explore the impact of historical and cultural contexts on the English adaptation of Sanguo Yanyi. The findings of this study will not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the dissemination and representation of Chinese culture but also provide valuable insights for future endeavours within this field.
Keywords
Sanguo Yanyi, English translations, Liu Bei’s image, quantitative and qualitative combined approach, contextualization
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