Translator behavior research and translator behavior criticism are both concerned with translator behaviors. They can be regarded as two different systems, yet they belong to the same system of Translation Studies, the operation of which depends on the coexistence and evolution of related subsystems with different functions. Although not all translation-focused studies belong to a certain subsystem in Translation Studies, they should follow the logic of the Translation Studies system if they situate themselves within the boundaries of Translation Studies. This stems from the fact that, on the one hand, the generation and development of any system are based on certain logics, including compositional, action and functional logic; on the other hand, the construction of any system can realize only part of various possibilities, and all systems will differentiate themselves from others and evolve based on self-references. In this regard, the study of translator behavior criticism constitutes a self-consistent system. Based on social systems theory, this paper explores the logic of translator behavior criticism and its related studies. It is proposed that in the system of Translation Studies, all relevant subsystems are both independent and interrelated. Each subsystem must face the complex system environment and manage the problem of differentiation in order to survive, develop and fulfill their own functions. The objective is to find their corresponding self-references, to simplify the relationship between them and their surrounding environments, and to make a rational determination of the functions that are conducive to their own development.

Translation is not a simple process of language conversion, but an ethical choice between translator and source text, translator and reader, and translator and society. Based on Berman’s “translation ethics”, Pym’s “translator ethics” redefines the identity and role of translators and broadens the field of vision and direction for translation studies. In recent years, Zhou Lingshun’s theory of translator behavior criticism has been accepted and applied by many scholars, which provides new theoretical guidance for translation studies in China. The definition of a translator’s identity as “linguistic” and “social” is similar to that of a translator’s ethics. This paper combines the study of translator ethics with that of translator behavior, and presents a study of Xu Yuanchong’s behavior from intra-translation and extra-translation. The findings will contribute to the theory of translator behavior criticism and improve a translator’s ability in both translation and research.

This paper analyzes the translator behavior in Li Jianwu’s translation of Molière’s comedy. The study of translator behavior criticism is a sociological study on the impact of the translator’s identity and role on the quality of the translated text. Li Jianwu is one of the most famous researchers and translators of Molière’s comedy in China. The paper presents a discussion of Li Jianwu’s extratextual effort in translation purpose, ability, concepts, etc., and it analyzes the characteristics of his interpretation through the example of his translation of Tartuffe. It is reasonable to believe that without a profound study of the original work, a correct understanding of the translation activity, and his ability and experience in drama creation, Li Jianwu could not have suitably and flexibly “rewritten” the original piece. In summary, Li Jianwu’s extra-translation behavior is the foundation and guarantee of his successful translation. Li Jianwu’s Research-Translation-Creation behavior model of translation, his rigorous scholarship and his down-to-earth translation spirit provide insights of significant value for researchers and practitioners of translation.

“Translator behavior criticism” is a theoretical system of translation criticism proposed by Professor Zhou Lingshun. It is a critical study of translators’ behaviors in a broad sense from the perspective of sociology. The theory has undergone constant development ever since its introduction, and it focuses on the socialization of translators (i.e., the role shifting of translators) in translation activities and the general patterns of translators’ behaviors during their work on a text. Based on the theory of translator behavior criticism, this paper assesses the truthfulness and effectiveness of the subtitle translation of Lost in Russia, a comic film first released in 2020 in the Chinese mainland that quickly aroused great discussion on the topic of film translation. This study includes an interview with Yao Dianna, the subtitle translator of the film, and an analysis of her translation behavior on the basis of the “truth-seeking-utility-attaining” continuum mode of evaluation. The findings demonstrate that the translator’s translation decisions in this specific film are inclined to be utility-attaining rather than truth-seeking, and such behavior is related to the translator’s identity as well as her knowledge system. The conclusion of this paper proposes recommendations for the selection of subtitle translators and their specific behavior during the process of translation. In particular, scholarly translators should be invited to participate in subtitle translation and cooperate with industry-based translators, constructing a model that will maximize the truthfulness and effectiveness of subtitle translation and contribute to the “going out” of Chinese films.

Based on research topics, theories and approaches, the article categorizes and reviews the presentations given at the Second National Translator Behavior Studies Forum in 2021. The forum was found to feature diversified topics, integrated theories and innovative approaches. It was recommended that researchers should maintain their adherence to the “problem-oriented” principle and continuously explore integrated theories and practical approaches to address the problems in translation studies. In addition, the need to promote the theoretical construction in Translator Behavior Studies was emphasized. The forum both demonstrated the progress made in the current studies and provided enlightenment on the future direction of China’s Translator Behavior Studies.

The syntactic and semantic research of DE has always been an area of great interest in grammatical study. While traditional research has tended to focus on the function of DE at the phrase level, this article discusses the tense function of DE in clauses and its restrictive conditions. Syntactic tests show that DE serves as a constituent both in phrases and in clauses. In clauses, DEcan be labeled as DE_s, which functions as a tense marker indicating a past event. The tense function of DE is realized under a series of conditions. Syntactically, DE_s must be a constituent of a clause; semantically, the verb preceding DE_s must express a telic event; and metrically, no acatalectic foot is allowed between the main verb and DE_s.

Against the background of vigorous expansion of teacher education and national literacy education, with the strong promotion of the construction of new liberal arts programs based on the idea of OBE, literature courses for English majors in normal universities are presenting brand new features in their connotation, denotation, mechanism and focus. These features can be seen in the curriculum, course system, contents and teaching methods. The new construction of the literature education system, in turn, will give strong support to the graduation requirements, a fact that has great significance in that it will thoroughly improve students’ core competence in the English discipline. Meanwhile, in light of the graduation requirements of Teacher Education Professional Programmatic Accreditation, a literature education system based on reverse design and forward construction illustrates the fact that literature education and literature pedagogy that seem ready to emerge at the call of the new era are becoming more relevant and necessary.

The stories written by Isaac Singer are populated with demonic images, including a group of low-ranking demons who bear distinctly Jewish characteristics. In “The Last Demon”, a demon was given the task of seducing a rabbi, but he failed in the end. After the slaughter of the Jews, he became the last demon in the world. Based on a close reading of the text, this demon can be interpreted in various ways. From the perspective of Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism, the demon reflects the desire of the rabbi. From the perspective of history, Singer is criticizing Haskalah, or the Jewish Enlightenment Movement, through the mouth of the demon; since Jewish secular literature is a product of the Jewish Enlightenment Movement, Singer is mocking himself as well. Finally, from the perspective of the theory of misreading, the demon’s distortion of the Jewish classics, such as the Bible and the Talmud, may be taken as a joke on critics. Interpreting the little demon from these three different angles is like witnessing his metamorphosis in a prism, which includes perspectives of the characters, the writer, the critics, and the thousands of readers in different spaces and times. This study on the little demon in “The Last Demon” is also a probe into ourselves.