Abstract
In this essay, we attempt to explore the implication of the pragmatic patterns of Lingnam-culture-loaded words and phrases in the English periodicals translated mostly by protestant missionaries during the 19th century. With a keen interest in Cantonese and Lingnam cultures, foreign dwellers have launched English periodicals, aiming to familiarize their fellowmen with Lingnam’s local customs, and Chinese society in general. Such cultural distinctions embedded in numerous Lingnam-culture-loaded words and phrases have guided mission activities to conduct in local communities. We apply a deep analysis of the first hand missionary periodicals, and argue firstly, protestant missionaries translated Lingnam-culture-loaded words and phrases into English with model “Cantonese Transliteration + Liberal Translation (+ Paratext)”. Secondly, we find that while compiling English-Chinese dictionaries and publishing periodicals, protestant missionaries initially annotate a Cantonese entry by Roman alphabet, then translate it liberally, at times appending paratexts, which comment on cultural difference concerning the terms. In this view, the model of “Cantonese Transliteration + Liberal Translation (+ Paratext)” has been examined as one efficient way to promote Lingnam and Chinese culture into the West. One of methodological significance of this essay is it has systematically analysed the annotation methods prevailed in various foreign periodicals, for instance The Indo-Chinese Gleaner, The Canton Press, The Canton Miscellany, The Chinese Repository and so forth. Also the academic implication of this essay lies in the fact that it firstly has neatened the annotating system of Lingnam-culture-loaded words and phrases, and secondly, is a full endeavour to unpack how the annotation system has been generated and influenced on the transmission of Lingnam and Chinese culture.
Highlights
In the first half of nineteenth century, Qing Dynasty employed “The Canton System” throughout the whole China, which enabled the Lingnam district to be the site for foreigners’ business and periodicals publishing, including Canton, Macao, and Hong Kong
In the first half of the 19th century, English periodicals and journals were most printed in Lingnam, including Canton, Macao and Hong Kong, mainly reporting Chinese affairs and local events
With pragmatics’ and translation studies’ theories, this paper aims to discuss how Lingnam-culture-loaded words and phrases are translated and why, providing references to how to translate text related to Lingnam culture
Summary
In the first half of nineteenth century, Qing Dynasty employed “The Canton System” (single port commerce system) throughout the whole China, which enabled the Lingnam district to be the site for foreigners’ business and periodicals publishing, including Canton, Macao, and Hong Kong. In the first half of the 19th century, English periodicals and journals were most printed in Lingnam, including Canton, Macao and Hong Kong, mainly reporting Chinese affairs and local events. Commercial periodicals and journals including The Canton Register, The Canton Press and Chinese Courier and Canton Gazette sporadically introduce Lingnam culture, while The IndoChinese Gleaner, The Canton Miscellany and The Chinese Repository run columns or features to promote Chinese traditional and Lingnam culture The latter become vital cultural carriers for westerners. In the first half of the 19th century, as Mr Morrison, Mr Medhurst, Mr Bridgman and Mr Williams who were missionaries in china, were dedicated to preach, they compiled dictionaries, translated books and scripts and started periodicals and journals in English or in Chinese. With pragmatics’ and translation studies’ theories, this paper aims to discuss how Lingnam-culture-loaded words and phrases are translated and why, providing references to how to translate text related to Lingnam culture
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
