The English translation of the Gesar epic and the construction of cultural identity
《格萨（斯）尔》史诗的英译与文化认同的构建

摘要

《格萨（斯）尔》作为世界上最长的活态史诗，于2009年被列入联合国教科文组织人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录，其英译传播已成为中华文化“走出去”战略的重要组成部分。然而，这部源于藏族口头传统的史诗在英译过程中面临着从“活态演进”到“书面文本”再到“英文文本”的多重转换困境。本文首先系统分析了《格萨（斯）尔》史诗通过历史记忆、英雄崇拜、宗教信仰与口头传承构筑了深厚的文化认同基础。其次，本文探讨了该史诗在英译过程中为更好构建文化认同所采用的翻译策略。最后，本文根据该史诗在跨文化传播中面临的障碍及现实挑战，提出了未来需通过培养复合型人才、加大学术扶持、技术创新赋能等路径，推动史诗全球传播，从而实现非遗史诗 “活态传承”与跨文化认同的双重目标。

Abstract

As the longest living epic in the world, Gesar was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Its translation and dissemination in English have become an important component of the strategy for Chinese culture to “go global.” However, this epic, originating from the Tibetan oral tradition, faces multiple transformations in the process of English translation, transitioning from “living performance” to “written text” and then to “English text.” This paper first systematically analyzes how the Gesar epic constructs a profound foundation for cultural identity through historical memory, hero worship, religious belief, and oral transmission. Second, it explores the translation strategies employed in the English translation of the epic to better construct cultural identity. Finally, in light of the obstacles and practical challenges encountered in the cross‑cultural dissemination of the epic, this paper proposes pathways such as cultivating interdisciplinary talents, increasing academic support, and empowering transmission through technological innovation to promote the global dissemination of the epic, thereby achieving the dual goals of the “living transmission” of this intangible cultural heritage epic and cross‑cultural identity.