Translating Culture-Bound Elements: A Case Study of Traditional Chinese Theatre in the Socio-Cultural Context of Hong Kong

Abstract

This study explores the controversy surrounding the translation of the name of a new cultural infrastructure in Hong Kong, specifically related to the cultural heritage of traditional Chinese theatre. The first performing arts landmark in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District was named the Xiqu Centre; the term xiqu is a Hanyu pinyin representing traditional Chinese theatre. Though this translation issue has been intensely debated for over a decade, it remains unexplored in the research. With reference to Venuti’s translation strategies of foreignization and domestication, this study examines the Hong Kong public’s views on the translation of the name of this cultural landmark and the underlying drivers of their perceptions. It uses internet-based surveys, semi-structured interviews with the public, and interviews with experts as data sources. The results revealed that factors of (1) aesthetics and artistry, (2) cultural identity, and (3) publicity and internationalization have contributed to public perception. This study’s findings shed new light on how translation interacts with cultural, social, and political factors by examining how Hong Kong’s unique historical relationship with China and the West has played a role in this translation issue. The findings have significant implications for the translation of culture-bound elements and the transmission of cultural heritage in Hong Kong and worldwide.