Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Li, Fang-yu
Area of Concentration
Chinese Language and Culture
Abstract
This thesis project focuses on my process of translating the novella Flock of Brown Birds and the short story “Ring Flower” into English. Both pieces of literature are written by the author Ge Fei, one of China’s most renowned avant-garde writers. In this thesis, I explore the dynamics of translating Chinese literature into English, as well as the unique challenges that arise when translating avant-grade literature. The beginning of the first chapter is an introductory look at the sociopolitical background of China’s literary avant-garde genre during the 1980s. The second half of the chapter is a literary analysis of Flock of Brown Birds and “Ring Flower”, as my interpretations of the two pieces was an important part of the translation process. Chapter 2 is a commentary on my translations. In this chapter, I examine the historical background of Chinese and Western translation theory. I also discuss the translation theories that were most influential in my thought process while translating, as well as examine several practical and theoretical challenges that I encountered while writing my translation. Chapters 3 and 4 are my translations of Flock of Brown Birds and “Ring Flower”.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Shannon, "CHINA’S AVANT-GARDE LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION: GE FEI" (2020). Theses & ETDs. 6001.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/6001