Unravelling meanings in interpretive plurality

• Main Author: Wang, Mengqiao
• Other Authors: -
• Format: Thesis-Master by Coursework
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2020
• Subjects: Humanities::Language
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/139477
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Studies on the rendition of historical texts are curiously quiet in the entire discipline of translation studies. Interpreting historical text is so challenging that it deserves devotion from this dissertation to raise awareness on revolving and evolving issues. The challenges, namely reclaiming indigenous representations and identity in global historical studies; negotiation and reconciliation of cultural disparities against the effort to enhance the presence of native voices in an off-balance Eurocentric historical discourse setting. Minguo Tongsu Yanyi, a modern historical text written by historian scholar Cai Dongfan who lived through that phase of change, is specially chosen to illustrate how the above problems and issues can be overcome and answered. The rendition practice is guided by the deconstructionist idea of interpretive plurality and the Gadamerian idea of horizon fusion as theoretical principles while utilising the Thinking Aloud Protocol (TAP) as a powerful tool demonstrative of a native translator’s interpretation and decision-making process in putting theories into practice. It is noteworthy throughout the exercise that: 1. the absence of an absolute “truth” for historical texts in particular; 2. Where “the meaning” is challenged, the translator’s interpretation is being recognised and respected; 3. Translation as an approach to history legitimised “violations” to the source text and necessitated the reconstruction and re-presentation of history, elevating subjectivity of the translator. In light of these important realisations, the present thesis establishes that 1. in the case of historical translation, universal or standard translation criteria do not apply – crucial factors such as effective cultural communication, reader’s understanding and temporal imaginations are instead the considerations; 2. TAP has potentially a broader application, helping to create rooms for cultural interaction; and most importantly, 3. The bridging function of translation stimulates cultural synergy and invigorates the consciousness of our existence.