Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The dissemination of English translations of contemporary Chinese literature is crucial to enhancing China's cultural soft power and international image. Despite significant progress since the early 2000s, such as increased government support, international awards for Chinese writers, and a wider selection of literature, a number of challenges impede wider foreign acceptance. These include the complexities of translating literature between vastly different cultures, limited and ineffective communication channels, and dissatisfaction among foreign audiences. This paper reviews the historical development of the international dissemination of Chinese literature, identifies the main obstacles to its influence, and proposes solutions. Recommendations focus on selecting works with universal themes that resonate globally and adopting translation strategies that balance fidelity to the original text with readability for the target audience. By addressing these issues, Chinese literature can move from simply going global to truly going international, fostering deeper intercultural understanding and expanding its influence in the global literary landscape.
Author: Yunwen Huang
Institution: University of Oregon
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4407244275