Li Guangrong
ABSTRACT
This paper investigates Yan Fu’s cross-cultural translation strategies through the lens of Gadamer’s hermeneutic theory, emphasizing the transmission of cultural information. Yan Fu’s translation principles—fidelity, expressiveness, and elegance—are examined in conjunction with Gadamer’s concepts of the “fusion of horizons” and historical consciousness. The study aims to bridge the gap between linguistic accuracy and cultural interpretation, positioning the translator as a cultural mediator. Methodologically, the research employs a qualitative analysis of Yan Fu’s translations of Western philosophical texts, assessing how these works integrate cultural elements to resonate with Chinese audiences. The findings reveal that Yan Fu’s strategies are in line with Gadamer’s hermeneutics, facilitating a dialogue between source and target cultures. This alignment underscores the translator’s role in negotiating cultural meanings and highlights the transformative nature of translation as an intercultural dialogue. The study contributes to translation studies by proposing a framework that incorporates philosophical theories into the translation process, enhancing the understanding of cross-cultural communication. It also addresses the ethical implications of translation choices, advocating for a balanced approach that respects both cultural specificity and universal truths. The study concludes that integrating Gadamer’s hermeneutics with Yan Fu’s translation principles offers a subtle and sophisticated perspective on the complexities of cross-cultural translation, with implications for translation pedagogy and practice.
Keywords: Cultural mediation, Gadamer’s hermeneutics, translation strategies, cross-cultural communication