A Comparative Study of the Chinese Translations of The Time Machine from the Perspective of Chesterman’s Translation Ethics—A Case Study of Chen Zhen’s and Qing Run’s Versions

Abstract

Herbert George Wells wrote The Time Machine. This book holds an important place in science fiction history. Studying its Chinese translations can show us some rules behind science fiction translation. This paper uses Andrew Chesterman’s five models of translation ethics. It compares Chen Zhen’s and Qing Run’s Chinese versions. The comparison looks at terminology, sentence structure, and character speech styles. Different ethical orientations do affect translators’ choices. Chen Zhen’s translation leans toward representation and communication ethics. He tries to keep the original’s literary quality and intellectual depth. He uses foreignizing strategies more often. Qing Run’s translation focuses more on service and norm ethics. He values readability and target readers’ habits. He uses domesticating strategies frequently. This study hopes to offer theoretical help for science fiction translation practice. It also tries to broaden the use of translation ethics in literary translation criticism.