Studies on the Translation of Classical Dramas

This chapter focuses on the translation of classical Chinese dramas, tracing its history from the eighteenth century when Joseph de Prémare translated The Orphan of Zhao into French. Until the late nineteenth century, most translators were missionaries and diplomats, often producing incomplete translations. The twentieth century saw independent translations by Chinese scholars like Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang, preserving the cultural essence of these dramas. The chapter presents statistical data from CNKI, revealing that approximately 70% of research papers center on well-known dramas such as The Peony Pavilion and Romance of the West Chamber , while many other works remain under-researched. The analysis indicates a concentration in translation studies primarily focusing on English versions, with minimal attention to translations in other languages. The chapter also discusses the contributions of various translators and highlights the need for broader research on the translation history, language transfer, and the cultural impact of these dramas. Suggestions for future research include comparative studies on the stylistic features of drama texts, examining the implications of dialogue in translations, and promoting the performance of traditional Chinese dramas internationally.