Intralingual and Interlingual Translation of Chinese Classics—Taking the English Translation of the Tao Te Ching as an Example

Abstract

Chinese classical texts represent the essence of Chinese culture, encapsulating rich humanistic, philosophical, and scientific content. This paper takes the translation and appreciation of Chinese classical texts as its focus, aiming to delve into the significant implications for cultural heritage and cross-cultural communication in this field. With Arthur Waley's English translation of the Tao Te Ching as the subject of study, the paper initially explores the linguistic and cultural differences encountered in the translation process, as well as the contextual shifts between ancient and modern times. Subsequently, the paper places a particular emphasis on analyzing the role of translation and appreciation in cultural heritage, underscoring the importance of disseminating Chinese culture through translation. Building on this foundation, the paper further investigates the facilitating role of classical text translation in cross-cultural communication, conducting a thorough analysis of how translation can foster dialogue and understanding between different cultures. Finally, in conjunction with the translation philosophy of Roman Jakobson, the paper proposes practical methods for translating Chinese classical texts, with the overarching goal of accurately conveying the original content.