Intro to Chinese Translation

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

The purpose of this course is to learn and practice the art of Chinese-to-English translation. In one respect, translation is a technical skill. It requires mastering the nuances of Chinese, understanding not just context but also subtext, and rendering those meanings into precise but natural English. In another respect, translation is a deep engagement with a source culture. It demands a high degree of familiarity with both the source and target cultures to render meaning across cultural as well as linguistic difference. The goal of this course is to develop students’ ability to produce professional-level translations that are based on deep cultural knowledge and sensitivity, as well as technical and linguistic expertise in both the source and target languages. We will approach the topic from several angles, including engaging with theories and writings about translation; analyzing existing translations; and critiquing our own attempts at translating untranslated materials. We will also engage with various styles of writing, such as the formal essay, modernist prose, and science fiction, to highlight different problems one might encounter while translating, as well as the ethical stakes involved in the process. Although the course will be primarily conducted in English, it is designed for students who (1) are concurrently enrolled in a 3000-level Chinese course; (2) have completed two 3000-level Chinese courses; or (3) tested into 3500-level Chinese. Please be aware: this course cannot replace fourth-year Chinese (3000-level courses) but should be taken concurrently with it. The course will have readings in both English and Chinese, and the Chinese readings may range anywhere from ten to 15 pages in any given week. Be sure to evaluate your availability to make sure you can commit the necessary time to finishing the readings. While reading-assistance tools will be offered, they cannot replace a baseline foundation in the language.