Abstract

Tao Te Ching is not only a classical philosopical works, but a literary works, which has great influence at home and abroad, so many translated versions appeared. Focusing on Tao Te Ching translated by Arthur Waley, this thesis attempts to analyze the mistranslations in it. Besides, the thesis will illustrate the mistranslations and improper translation phenomenon from the three aspects of spiritual cultural words, metaphor words and numerals. Furthermore, the thesis makes a further research on the causes of the mistranslation from the translator’s subjectivity.

Key words: Arthur Waley; Tao Te Ching; mistranslations; translator’s subjectivity; causes

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-1

2.1 Study on the translation of Tao Te Ching at home-2

2.2 Study on the translation of Tao Te Ching abroad-2

3. Arthur Waley’s Mistranslations of Tao Te Ching-3

3.1 Spiritual cultural words-4

3.2 Metaphor words-5

3.3 Numerals-6

4 . Analysis of Mistranslation and Improper Translation in Tao Te Ching from Translator’s Subjectivity-7

4.1 Definition of the translator’s subjectivity-7

4.2 General manifestation of the translator’s subjectivity-7

4.3 Causes in the limitations of the times-9

4.4 Causes in the translator himself-10

5. Conclusion-10

Works Cited-12