Translation/Adaptation in the late Edo and English literature in the early Meiji: From the perspectives of Translation Studies

Abstract

It is said that the literary texts cannot be fully appreciated unless it is read in the original text in its native language. Professor Miki Sato agrees that reading the original version is vital and also believes that considering translations of the work can be an important tool to understand the impact of literature. Sato is based at Sapporo University, Japan, and her work involves a contextual approach in which she focuses on the translation of foreign works into Japanese. Currently, she is exploring the reception of foreign literature from the Edo period (1603-1868) to the Meiji (1868-1912) periods. Sato is working to connect knowledge of foreign literature from the early-modern era with that of the modern period and showcase the role of translation studies (TS) in bridging the divide between research on literary translations of these two time periods. Her own field of TS can traverse boundaries created by vertically-divided academic fields. The key to translation is considering what can be gained. Sato believes it is important to clarify the sometimes ambiguous terminology regarding translation, which will ultimately lead to greater understanding of literary works. By focusing on the translations and the context around them, Sato is seeking to put together a map of similarities, differences and the impact of translations beyond the disciplinary boundaries.