关键词: 科技典籍; 《景德镇陶录》; 外国译者; 翻译策略

Abstract: To learn from the foreign translators and study their translations is one of the efficient ways by which Chinese translators improve the quality of their translations and fulfill the historical task of disseminating Chinese culture globally. The translators of Chinese science and technology classics need to overcome the barriers of culture and time which are typically embodied by the gap between the textual features of Chinese science and technology classics and the expectations of target readers. Jingdezhen Tao Lu, as a typical example of Chinese science and technology classics, has the following textual features: co-existence of various versions which were edited irregularly in terms of modern academic norms, overflowing with a large number of terminologies resulting from synonymy, and preference for shortened forms. To cater to the needs of target readers, its translator Sayer adopted the strategy of foreignization which was realized by means of literal translation compensated by paratext annotations. Sayer’s English translation of Jingdezhen Tao Lu has been popular among western readers since its publication and is currently still influential in the western academic world. This shows that the combination of literal translation and paratext annotations employed by Sayer successfully bridges the gap between the textual features of Chinese science and technology classics and the expectations of target readers, and, therefore, is one of effective approaches which can be practiced in the translation of Chinese science and technology classics and the overseas dissemination of Chinese culture as well.

Keywords: science and technology classics; Jingdezhen Tao Lu; foreign translators; translating techniques