An Analysis of the English Translation of Li Bai’s Poems

Huang Shanshan,Wang Feng

doi:10.22161/ijels.4437

Abstract

For more than 300 years, Li Bai’s poems have been translated, introduced and disseminated in large quantities, which undoubtedly plays an important role in the out-going of Chinese culture. Based on the general historical context of the English translation of Li Bai’s poems and the collected data about his translations, this study analyses the characteristics of his English translation in different periods and sums up how Li Bai’s poems have claimed the world literary status.

Highlights

In recent years, scholars in China and other countries have become more and more enthusiastic about the translation of Li Bai’s poems and have made so me achievements
With the promotion of translation media, many classical works represented by Tang poetry have been translated and introduced one after another
As one of the greatest masters of Tang poetry, Li Bai is remembered fo r his romance, sense of social responsibility and fresh and elegant poems

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Scholars in China and other countries have become more and more enthusiastic about the translation of Li Bai’s poems and have made so me achievements. Many large authoritative literary translation anthologies published in the English-speaking world during this period have included Li Bai’s poems: The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry (From Early Times to the Thirteenth Century) compiled by Burton Watson was published in 1984 [30]; The Indiana Companion to Traditional Chinese Literature (1986) [14] co mpiled by William H. There are missionaries, diplo mats, poets, life and historical background as well as in the poet Vikram Seth’s Three Chinese Poets: Translations of Poems by Wang Wei, Li Bai, and Du Fu. Furthermo re, Li Bai’s poems were included in many large authoritative literary translation anthologies published in the English speaking world at that time. After thoroughly reading the English translations of foreign translators, Chinese translators have carried out relevant reflections and research reviews, and have devoted themselves to the re-translations of Tang poetry represented by Li Bai’s poems, such as the group of Chinese translators headed by Xu Yuanchong, Yang Xianyi, Sun Dayu and Wang Yushu, which are gradually recognized by the world

THE CLAIMING OF WORLD LITERARY STATUS OF LI BAI’S POEMS

CONCLUSION