A History of Translation Studies in China

A History of Translation Studies in China offers the first comprehensive account of translation studies in China, spanning over two millennia of intellectual and cultural exchange.

A History of Translation Studies in China offers the first comprehensive account of translation studies in China, spanning over two millennia of intellectual and cultural exchange. Examining 65 major thinkers and translators, as well as 188 other figures, the book covers different periods in Chinese history, from the translation of ancient Buddhist scriptures to early twentieth-century literary debates. It explores the development of key concepts such as ‘faithfulness’, ‘expressiveness’, and ‘elegance’, and revisits long-standing debates such as the discussion surrounding literal versus free translation. By situating Chinese translation thought within broader literary, philosophical, and cultural traditions, the book provides a valuable alternative to Western-centric histories, introducing a rich and largely overlooked intellectual tradition to a global audience. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book invites translation researchers, students, practitioners, and general readers to discover this significant intellectual tradition, which has long remained largely unknown outside of China.