A study on translator’s subjectivity from the perspective of Steiner’s four-step translation theory——A case study of Xu Yuanchong’s English translation of “Three Hundred Tang Poems”
斯坦纳翻译四步骤理论视角下的译者主体性研究——以许渊冲《唐诗三百首》英译本为例

摘要

在传统译论中，译者地位边缘化，他们往往被视为原文的“仆人”，其任务局限于忠实地传递原文的内容，而缺乏主体性的体现。这种观点将翻译视为一种机械的语言转换活动，忽视了译者在翻译中的创造性作用。近年来，随着翻译研究中“文化转向”的出现，译者地位显著提升。本文以乔治·斯坦纳的翻译四步骤理论为依据，对《唐诗三百首》许渊冲英译本进行深入分析。探讨译者在翻译过程中如何通过信任、侵入、吸收和补偿四步骤展现其主体性，揭示译者在语言转换和文化传递中发挥的积极作用。本文的研究不仅能够推动人们对译者角色转变的认知，也为中国古典诗歌的英译研究提供了新的思路和借鉴，进一步丰富了翻译理论的内涵，为翻译研究领域注入了新的活力。

Abstract

In traditional translation theory, the role of the translator was often marginalized, with translators being regarded as “servants” of the source text, confined to the task of faithfully conveying the original content, thus lacking the manifestation of subjectivity. This perspective treated translation as a mechanical linguistic conversion activity, overlooking the creative role of translators in the translation process. In recent years, with the emergence of the “cultural turn” in translation studies, the status of translators has significantly improved. This paper, based on George Steiner’s four-step translation theory, conducts an in-depth analysis of Xu Yuanchong’s English translation of “Three Hundred Tang Poems.” It explores how translators demonstrate their subjectivity through the four steps of trust, aggression, incorporation, and restitution, revealing the active role translators play in linguistic transformation and cultural transmission. The research not only promotes a shift in the understanding of the translator’s role but also provides new perspectives and references for the study of English translations of classical Chinese poetry. Furthermore, it enriches the theoretical framework of translation studies and injects new vitality into the field.