The Literary Approach in Translation Studies

This chapter explores the literary approach in translation studies, a significant and enduring perspective that emphasizes the artistic and creative aspects of translation. It begins by clarifying key concepts such as literary theory, poetics, and aesthetics, and examines the relationship between literary theory and translation studies in both Western and Chinese contexts. The chapter highlights the historical dominance of the literary approach before the 20th century and its continued relevance in contemporary research. It discusses methodological applications, including Russian Formalism and Anglo-American New Criticism, and their influence on translation studies. The analysis also addresses challenges such as conceptual vagueness and insufficient methodological rigor, while proposing future directions for integrating literary methods more systematically into translation research. By bridging literary theory and translation studies, this chapter underscores the importance of the literary approach in understanding translation as both an art and a discipline.