Crafting Linguistic Labyrinths: Wordplay in David Tod Roy’s Thick Translation of Jin Ping Mei

Abstract

Jin Ping Mei, a novel vividly portraying the daily lives of common people, is characterized by various forms of wordplay deeply rooted in Chinese linguistic and cultural contexts. This paper scrutinizes David Tod Roy’s English translation of Jin Ping Mei, titled “The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P’ing Mei”, which adeptly captures the linguistic and cultural nuances of the original while crystalizing his extensive research through the strategy of thick translation. Through a detailed analysis of Roy’s treatment of wordplay in Jin Ping Mei, this study delves into the efficacy of thick translation as a pivotal approach in preserving and conveying the authentic rhetorical features of the novel. It is discerned that the paratextual elements within Roy’s translation play a crucial role in both the comprehension and preservation of wordplay as integral rhetorical elements of the original text. This not only ensures the readability and aesthetic appeal of the translation per se but also enhances its fidelity in conveying the linguistic and cultural authenticity of the source material.