Abstract

It is so different between Chinese and English that translators argue greatly about how to translate archaic Chinese poems. The key arguing point is how to deal with diction, rhyme and images. However, the most special point in the translations by Qiu Xiaolong is the revivification of readers’ experience. Chinese literature scholars would focus on the keynotes and paces of the poems, but translators seldom consider these factors in translating. And Qiu is the one who considers these, which also makes his translations special. Another impressive aspect of Qiu’s translations is that he presents the image which is quite close to the original ones. He changes the order of phrases and breaks one sentence into several lines without changing the meaning. However, it is a risky way in that it is easy to explain too much, hence to be avoided while translating. In fact, this problem can be seen in his translations of Subtle and Concise Poems. There are too many interpretations, which limits the imagination that the original poet want to leave to readers, and besides, Qiu abandons rhymes.

Keywords: Archaic Chinese poems; archaic Chinese poems translation; Qiu Xiaolong

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Background-1

1.2 Qiu Xiaolong-1

1.3 Purpose-2

2. Literature Review-3

2.1 Archaic Chinese Poems-3

2.2 Translating archaic Chinese poems-5

3. Translated Poems Analysis-7

3.1 Introduction-7

3.2 Comparisons-8

3.2.1 Several cases of poem study-8

3.2.1.1 Trip to Jiangling-8

3.2.1.2 Cicadas Chill, Shrill (To the Tune of Yulinling)-9

3.2.1.3 Mid-Autumn Festival Night (To the Tune of Shuidiaogetou)-10

3.2.1.4 Red Cliff (To the Tune of Niannujiao)-12

3.2.2 Comparisons of different versions-14

3.2.2.1 Comparisons of forms-20

3.2.2.1.1 Rhyme-20

3.2.2.1.2 Frame and Form-21

3.2.2.2 Comparisons between original version and translation-21

3.2.3 Analysis of Qiu’s work-26

3.2.3.1 Merits-26

3.2.3.2 Demerits-26

4. Conclusion-26

References-27