Governance-oriented state translation program in the Zhenguan era of the Tang dynasty

Abstract

ABSTRACT State translation program (STP) has existed since ancient times, and its manifestations, implementation modes, and governance functions have shown different characteristics in different political and historical periods. The histories, descriptions, and theories of translation in the Tang dynasty indicated that many influential inbound and outbound translation events during the Zhenguan era reflected the characteristics of STP. The state was the subject of translation activities, and through five means: nationalisation of translation institutions, intensification of resources, synergization of translation procedures, institutionalisation of translators’ identities, and classicisation of translation products, translation was elevated to a state act, which played the role of governance in maintaining imperial rule, stabilising social order, and constructing state image. The Zhenguan era has an essential position in the history of Chinese translation, and an examination of the types, characteristics, and functions of STP during this era will help reveal the form and mode of institutionalised translation and translation governance in ancient China, which can provide valuable experience and solutions for the implementation of translation governance in today’s states.