A Study on the Evolution of English Translations and Multidimensional Interpretations of 'Cheng', a Core Concept in the Doctrine of the Mean

Abstract

This study focuses on the evolution of the concept of 'Cheng' in English translations of the Doctrine of the Mean, conducting a textual analysis and comparative study of seven representative translations from different periods. Using a four-dimensional analytical framework comprising ethics, ontology, cosmology and genesis, the study finds that, in the process of translation into English, the strategies employed for 'Cheng' have gradually shifted from an early, singularly moral dimension towards diverse expressions that take into account both its metaphysical connotations and its dynamic, generative significance, reflecting the translators’ deepening understanding of the concept’s multi-layered philosophical implications. The differentiated presentation and selection of connotations of the concept of  in cross-cultural communication are the result of the interplay of multiple factors, including the translator’s subjectivity, the purpose of translation, the needs of the target audience, and the socio-cultural environment, embodying the process of dynamic selection and reconstruction of Confucian philosophical concepts within cross-cultural contexts. This study has deepened our understanding of the core ideas of the Doctrine of the Mean and the comprehensive philosophical system of 'Cheng', providing a refined analytical paradigm for research into the translation of Confucian classics into English. It facilitates in-depth exchange between Chinese and Western philosophy and culture, whilst also offering valuable guidance for the translation of traditional Chinese classics into foreign languages.