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The Extraordinary Lives of Two Translators Between Qing China and the British

Federico García Lorca

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Published in The Perils Of Interpreting: The Extraordinary Lives Of Two Translators Between Qing China And The British Empire

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In the annals of history, there are countless individuals whose contributions have shaped the course of human events. Among them, translators occupy a unique place, for they serve as bridges between cultures, facilitating understanding and exchange of ideas. The story of two such translators, who lived during the Qing dynasty in China and played a vital role in shaping relations between China and the British, is a testament to the power of words to transform the world.

The Perils of Interpreting: The Extraordinary Lives of Two Translators between Qing China and the British Empire

by Henrietta Harrison

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	345 pages

Mei Wending: The First Chinese Translator of Western Literature

Mei Wending (1867-1936) was a pioneer in the field of Chinese-English translation. Born into a wealthy family in Shanghai, he received a traditional Chinese education before traveling to England to study at Oxford University. It was during his time in England that Mei first encountered Western literature, and he was immediately captivated by its beauty and power. He began translating English works into Chinese, and his translations soon became highly sought after by Chinese readers.

Mei's translations played a major role in introducing Western ideas to China. He translated works by Shakespeare, Dickens, and other great English writers, making them accessible to a Chinese audience for the first time. His translations were not only accurate, but they also captured the spirit and essence of the original works. As a result, they had a profound impact on Chinese literature and thought.

In addition to his work as a translator, Mei was also a prolific writer and critic. He wrote extensively about Western literature and culture, and his writings helped to shape Chinese understanding of the West. He was also a strong advocate for cultural exchange between China and the West, and he believed that translation was a vital tool for promoting understanding and cooperation.

Xu Jiyu: The First British Translator of Chinese Literature

Xu Jiyu (1895-1982) was the first British translator of Chinese literature. Born in Shanghai to a British father and a Chinese mother, he grew up speaking both English and Chinese. He studied Chinese literature at the University of London, and after graduating, he began translating Chinese works into English.

Xu's translations played a major role in introducing Chinese literature to the West. He translated works by Lu Xun, Lao She, and other great Chinese writers, making them accessible to an English-speaking audience for the first time. His translations were highly praised for their accuracy and sensitivity, and they helped to change Western perceptions of Chinese literature.

In addition to his work as a translator, Xu was also a scholar and critic. He wrote extensively about Chinese literature and culture, and his writings helped to shape Western understanding of China. He was also a strong advocate for cultural exchange between China and the West, and he believed that translation was a vital tool for promoting understanding and cooperation.

The Legacy of Mei Wending and Xu Jiyu

Mei Wending and Xu Jiyu were two extraordinary translators who played a vital role in shaping relations between China and the British. Their work helped to introduce Western ideas to China and Chinese literature to the West, and it had a profound impact on the cultural and intellectual development of both countries.

The legacy of Mei and Xu continues to inspire and inform us today. They remind us of the power of words to transform the world, and they show us the importance of cultural exchange and understanding. Their work is a testament to the human spirit, and it is a reminder that we are all connected, regardless of our differences.

The Perils of Interpreting: The Extraordinary Lives of Two Translators between Qing China and the British Empire

by Henrietta Harrison

5 out of 5