Cooing and Wooing: The Re-expression of the Phonetic Elements in the English Translation of Book of Poetry from the Perspective of Translation Aesthetics

Abstract

This paper analyzes the aesthetic characteristics of the Book of Poetry and Xu Yuanchong's translation of it, and how Zhu Guangqian's theory of translation aesthetics applies to Xu's translation. The paper focuses on the beauty of phonetic elements in conveying aesthetic information, specifically the use of rhyme and rhythmic musicality. It examines various forms of rhyme used in the Book of Poetry, including rhyme in single and double lines, cross-rhyme, and rhyme in the first and second lines followed by the third and fourth lines. Xu's translation is praised for its preservation of the musicality of the original text, especially the rhythmic musicality, and his use of onomatopoeia. The paper argues that Xu's translation philosophy is complementary to Zhu's theory of translation aesthetics, emphasizing the pursuit of beauty and artistry of the translation based on faithfulness to the original text. The analysis sheds light on the unique charm and profound ideas of the Book of Poetry and how they are conveyed through the beauty of language structure.