Paratexts in <i>The Wisdom of Laotse</i> Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated

Wei Wang

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15

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Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated

Wei Wang

Published in International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation (Volume 9, Issue 4)

Received: 21 October 2023 Accepted: 6 November 2023 Published: 17 November 2023

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Abstract

Paratext is of great significance in analyzing translators’ decisions and motivations in intercultural communication. As an outstanding editor-translator-author, Lin Yutang was good at using paratexts in foreign dissemination of traditional Chinese culture, and the extensive paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse translated and edited by him have left a deep impression on readers. Yet few current studies have comprehensively examined the paratexts in it. This article focuses on the peritext in this book to examine what categories of paratexts Lin Yutang employed in translating Chinese philosophical classics, and how they functioned in contributing to the success of this translation. With a textual close reading and comparison, it is found that Lin mainly employed four types of paratexts: introductions, footnotes, translator’s comments, and various headings or titles. They share similarities in function though used in different contexts. Overall, Lin’s adoption of those paratexts aimed to achieve three intended functions: clarifying textual meaning, bridging cultural gaps, and communicating personal thoughts. The first two functions are indispensable for translating philosophical texts, while the third is optional, not only reflecting Lin’s subjectivity but also helping to construct his cultural identity and make the translation more interesting. Regardless of the specific functions, Lin Yutang’s ultimate goal was to eliminate cultural barriers and promote the acceptance of his translation.

Published in	International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation (Volume 9, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15
Page(s)	138-143
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

The Wisdom of Laotse, Editor-Translator, Paratexts, Lin Yutang, Dao De Jing

References

[1]	Ma M. (2021) How Did a Novice Translator Form the View of Translation: a Multi-textual Investigation of Lin Yutang at St John’s University. Asia Pacific Translation and Intercultural Studies. 8 (3), 286-299.
[2]	Fu W. (2006). Statistics and Analysis of Research on Lin Yutang in the Past Ten Years. Fujian Tribune. (5), 102-105.
[3]	Zhang L. (2015). A Study of Thick Translation in Lin Yutang’s The Wisdom of Laotse. MA Thesis, Mianyang: Southwest University of Science and Technology.
[4]	Lu Z. (2017). The Combination of Thick Translation and Paratext---A Case Study of The Wisdom of Laotse by Lin Yutang. MA Thesis. Chongqing: Sichuan International Studies University.
[5]	Huang W., Hoon A., Hiong S., Kaur H. (2019). Text-close thick translations in two English versions of Laozi. Asian Philosophy. 29 (3), 231-247.
[6]	Genette G. (1997). Paratexts: Thresholds of Interpretation. Jane E. Lewin (Trans.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 3, 2, 4-5, 5, 2, 13.
[7]	Genette G. (1988). The Proustian Paratexte. Amy G. McIntosh (Trans.). Substance. 17 (56), 63-77.
[8]	Batchelor K. (2018). Translation and Paratexts. London and New York: Routledge, 12.
[9]	Yu Y., Zhu Y., Dong Y. (2019). Paratext: Another Window of Translation Studies—A Review of Kathryn Batchelor’s New Book Translation and Paratexts. Chinese Translators Journal. 40 (6), 96-102.
[10]	Tahir-Gürçağlar, S. (2002) What Texts Don’t Tell: The Uses of Paratexts in Translation Research. In Theo Hermans (eds.). Crosscultural Transgressions. Research Models in Translation Studies II: Historical and Ideological Issues. Manchester: St Jerome Publishing, pp. 44–60.
[11]	Xiao L. (2011). The Significance of Paratexts to Translation Studies. Shanghai Journal of Translators. (4), 17-21.
[12]	Lin Y. (1948). The Wisdom of Laotse. New York: Random House, pp. 6, 56, 21, 76, 110, 64, 102, 34, 79, 15, 101, 165.
[13]	Armstrong G. (2007). Paratexts and Their Functions in Seventeenth-Century English “Decamerons”. The Modern Language Review. 102 (1), 40-57.
[14]	Sun Y. (2012). Translation and Strategies for Cross-Cultural Communication. Chinese Translators Journal. 33 (1), 16-23, 122.
[15]	Lin Y. (1942). The Wisdom of China and India. New York: Random House, pp. 582.
[16]	Wen X. (2005). Interpretation of Dao De Jing. Changsha: Hunan People’s Publishing House, pp. 55, 2, 65, 74, 88.
[17]	Bilodeau I. (2019). Bending Conventions: Agency and Self-portrayals in Japanese Translator Commentary. Japan Forum. 31 (1), 64-85.
[18]	Munday J. (2012). Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications (3rd ed.). London and New York: Routledge, pp. 111-112.
[19]	Zhu T. (2009). The Narrative-Poetic Value of Paratexts for the Interpretation of Complex Texts. Jiangxi Social Sciences. (4), 39-46.
[20]	Bassnett S. (2002). Translation Studies (3rd ed.). London and New York: Routledge, pp. 23.

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Wang, W. (2023). Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation, 9(4), 138-143. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15

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Wang, W. Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated. Int. J. Appl. Linguist. Transl. 2023, 9(4), 138-143. doi: 10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15

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AMA Style

Wang W. Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated. Int J Appl Linguist Transl. 2023;9(4):138-143. doi: 10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15,
  author = {Wei Wang},
  title = {Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated},
  journal = {International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation},
  volume = {9},
  number = {4},
  pages = {138-143},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijalt.20230904.15},
  abstract = {Paratext is of great significance in analyzing translators’ decisions and motivations in intercultural communication. As an outstanding editor-translator-author, Lin Yutang was good at using paratexts in foreign dissemination of traditional Chinese culture, and the extensive paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse translated and edited by him have left a deep impression on readers. Yet few current studies have comprehensively examined the paratexts in it. This article focuses on the peritext in this book to examine what categories of paratexts Lin Yutang employed in translating Chinese philosophical classics, and how they functioned in contributing to the success of this translation. With a textual close reading and comparison, it is found that Lin mainly employed four types of paratexts: introductions, footnotes, translator’s comments, and various headings or titles. They share similarities in function though used in different contexts. Overall, Lin’s adoption of those paratexts aimed to achieve three intended functions: clarifying textual meaning, bridging cultural gaps, and communicating personal thoughts. The first two functions are indispensable for translating philosophical texts, while the third is optional, not only reflecting Lin’s subjectivity but also helping to construct his cultural identity and make the translation more interesting. Regardless of the specific functions, Lin Yutang’s ultimate goal was to eliminate cultural barriers and promote the acceptance of his translation.},
 year = {2023}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated
AU  - Wei Wang
Y1  - 2023/11/17
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15
T2  - International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation
JF  - International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation
JO  - International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation
SP  - 138
EP  - 143
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-1271
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15
AB  - Paratext is of great significance in analyzing translators’ decisions and motivations in intercultural communication. As an outstanding editor-translator-author, Lin Yutang was good at using paratexts in foreign dissemination of traditional Chinese culture, and the extensive paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse translated and edited by him have left a deep impression on readers. Yet few current studies have comprehensively examined the paratexts in it. This article focuses on the peritext in this book to examine what categories of paratexts Lin Yutang employed in translating Chinese philosophical classics, and how they functioned in contributing to the success of this translation. With a textual close reading and comparison, it is found that Lin mainly employed four types of paratexts: introductions, footnotes, translator’s comments, and various headings or titles. They share similarities in function though used in different contexts. Overall, Lin’s adoption of those paratexts aimed to achieve three intended functions: clarifying textual meaning, bridging cultural gaps, and communicating personal thoughts. The first two functions are indispensable for translating philosophical texts, while the third is optional, not only reflecting Lin’s subjectivity but also helping to construct his cultural identity and make the translation more interesting. Regardless of the specific functions, Lin Yutang’s ultimate goal was to eliminate cultural barriers and promote the acceptance of his translation.
VL  - 9
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Wei Wang

School of Foreign Languages and Literature, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Wang, W. (2023). Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation, 9(4), 138-143. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15

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ACS Style

Wang, W. Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated. Int. J. Appl. Linguist. Transl. 2023, 9(4), 138-143. doi: 10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15

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AMA Style

Wang W. Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated. Int J Appl Linguist Transl. 2023;9(4):138-143. doi: 10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15,
  author = {Wei Wang},
  title = {Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated},
  journal = {International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation},
  volume = {9},
  number = {4},
  pages = {138-143},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijalt.20230904.15},
  abstract = {Paratext is of great significance in analyzing translators’ decisions and motivations in intercultural communication. As an outstanding editor-translator-author, Lin Yutang was good at using paratexts in foreign dissemination of traditional Chinese culture, and the extensive paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse translated and edited by him have left a deep impression on readers. Yet few current studies have comprehensively examined the paratexts in it. This article focuses on the peritext in this book to examine what categories of paratexts Lin Yutang employed in translating Chinese philosophical classics, and how they functioned in contributing to the success of this translation. With a textual close reading and comparison, it is found that Lin mainly employed four types of paratexts: introductions, footnotes, translator’s comments, and various headings or titles. They share similarities in function though used in different contexts. Overall, Lin’s adoption of those paratexts aimed to achieve three intended functions: clarifying textual meaning, bridging cultural gaps, and communicating personal thoughts. The first two functions are indispensable for translating philosophical texts, while the third is optional, not only reflecting Lin’s subjectivity but also helping to construct his cultural identity and make the translation more interesting. Regardless of the specific functions, Lin Yutang’s ultimate goal was to eliminate cultural barriers and promote the acceptance of his translation.},
 year = {2023}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated
AU  - Wei Wang
Y1  - 2023/11/17
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15
T2  - International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation
JF  - International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation
JO  - International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation
SP  - 138
EP  - 143
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-1271
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijalt.20230904.15
AB  - Paratext is of great significance in analyzing translators’ decisions and motivations in intercultural communication. As an outstanding editor-translator-author, Lin Yutang was good at using paratexts in foreign dissemination of traditional Chinese culture, and the extensive paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse translated and edited by him have left a deep impression on readers. Yet few current studies have comprehensively examined the paratexts in it. This article focuses on the peritext in this book to examine what categories of paratexts Lin Yutang employed in translating Chinese philosophical classics, and how they functioned in contributing to the success of this translation. With a textual close reading and comparison, it is found that Lin mainly employed four types of paratexts: introductions, footnotes, translator’s comments, and various headings or titles. They share similarities in function though used in different contexts. Overall, Lin’s adoption of those paratexts aimed to achieve three intended functions: clarifying textual meaning, bridging cultural gaps, and communicating personal thoughts. The first two functions are indispensable for translating philosophical texts, while the third is optional, not only reflecting Lin’s subjectivity but also helping to construct his cultural identity and make the translation more interesting. Regardless of the specific functions, Lin Yutang’s ultimate goal was to eliminate cultural barriers and promote the acceptance of his translation.
VL  - 9
IS  - 4
ER  -

Copy | Download