关键词: 典籍翻译; 整理; 比较; 拓展; 人才培养

Abstract:

As of early 2022, the “Library of Chinese Classics” series had translated and published 112 English versions of Chinese classical works. From a certain perspective, the domestic effort in translating Chinese classics into English could be considered to have reached a temporary conclusion. So, apart from continuing translations into other languages, what should be the next step for the translation of Chinese classics in China? This paper proposes four suggestions: historical documentation, comparative studies, expansion and in-depth exploration, and personnel training. Specifically, historical documentation involves examining and organizing the history of translating Chinese classics into foreign languages; comparative studies aim to enhance the quality of future translations through comparisons of different translations; expansion and in-depth exploration refer to continually broadening the scope of translated classics and deepening understanding and reflection of this scope; personnel training focuses on improving translators’ proficiency in Chinese, English, and cultural knowledge, particularly their ability to read classical Chinese. The author offers specific suggestions for each of these four aspects.

Keywords: translation of Chinese classics; collection and sorting; comparative study; expansion and in-depth exploration; personnel training