Studies on the Translation of Classical Novels

This chapter discusses the translation of classical Chinese novels into foreign languages, highlighting its historical progression from the sixteenth century to the present. The chapter notes that initial translations into Japanese and Korean occurred in the seventeenth century, while Western translations began with missionaries in the eighteenth century, notably with Du Halde&s;s 1735 compilation of Chinese literature. Key translations include Thomas Percy&s;s 1761 English version of Hau Kiou Choaan, and significant works like Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Journey to the West, and A Dream of Red Mansions were translated directly from Chinese in the nineteenth century. The chapter also analyzes the focus of translation studies, revealing a concentration on a few major works, with many lesser-known novels receiving little attention. It presents statistical data from CNKI, indicating the number of research papers on various novels, and discusses trends in research methodology. The findings suggest a need for broader research on the translation and dissemination of Chinese novels, particularly those translated into non-English languages. Overall, while significant progress has been made, many gaps remain in the study of classical Chinese novel translations, particularly regarding their cultural impact and translation strategies.