A Comparative Study of the English Translations of Idioms in the Novel Guisheng from the Perspective of Translator Behavior Criticism

Abstract

Shen Congwen’s literary works are renowned for their distinctive Xiangxi (West Hunan) setting, with idioms serving as a defining characteristic of his novels. The novel Guisheng stands as a quintessential example of his style, rich in local expressions that pose significant challenges for translators. This study conducts a comparative analysis of the English translations by Gladys Yang and Jeffrey C. Kinkley, examining their approaches from both intra-translational and extra-translational dimensions, with a specific focus on the rendition of two-part allegorical sayings, common sayings, and nicknames. The findings indicate that, from an intra-translational perspective, Gladys Yang consistently adopts a reader-oriented approach. She effectively conveys the original meaning while ensuring the fluency and accessibility of the target text, often simplifying complex cultural references to enhance readability. This approach achieves a notable balance between “truth-seeking” (adherence to the source text) and “utility-attaining” (serviceability for the target reader). In contrast, Jeffrey C. Kinkley prioritizes maximum fidelity to the source text, leaning decisively toward the “truth-seeking” end of the spectrum by meticulously preserving the original structure, linguistic features, and cultural imagery, even at the expense of immediate reader comprehension. From an extra-translational perspective, the study explores the translators’ professional roles, translation philosophies, and the substantial influence of patronage systems. It demonstrates that translator behaviors and translation strategies were shaped and constrained by a complex interplay of subjective and objective factors. Yang’s position with China’s Foreign Languages Press and Kinkley’s academic background emerge as crucial determinants in their respective approaches, highlighting how institutional contexts and personal scholarly commitments fundamentally guided their translation decisions and ultimately shaped the reception of Shen Congwen’s work in the English-speaking world.