ABSTRACT

The ci-poetry holds a pivotal position in Chinese culture. However, owing to its peculiar style, rhetoric, images and rhyming pattern, the ci-poetry poses a great challenge to its translators. The ci-poetry by Li Qingzhao, one of the most distinguished poetesses of the Wanyue (Soft and Tuneful) School of the Song dynasty is no exception. Her poetic creation may cause even greater difficulty, for the poetess always combines scenery with sentiment in a plain but fresh way. 

This thesis explores the C-E translation of ci-poetry from the perspective of linguistic adaptability proposed by Jef Verschueren later developed into the Adaptation Theory in the field of translation studies. A case study is made on comparing the two English versions of “Sheng Sheng Man” by Li Qingzhao. The application of the Adaptation Theory to ci-poetry translation points at a direction in this field, making the translated ci-poems more acceptable for English readers and helping publicize this shining Chinese cultural heritage abroad. 

Keywords：Ci-poetry Translation; Adaptation Theory; Li Qingzhao; “Sheng Sheng Man”

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 Significance and Purpose of the Study-1

1.2 Outline of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-3

2.1 Studies on the English Translation of Ci-poetry-3

2.2 Studies on the Adaptation Theory and Its Application to Translation-4

Chapter Three ADAPTATION IN C-E TRANSLATION OF CI-POETRY-6

3.1 Adaptability of Contextual Correlates-6

3.2 Adaptability of Structural Objects-8

3.3 Dynamics of Adaptability-10

3.4 Salience of the Adaptation Process-10

Chapter Four LI QINGZHAO’S “SHENG SHENG MAN” AND ITS TWO ENGLISH VERSIONS-12

4.1 Li Qingzhao and “Sheng Sheng Man”-12

4.2 A Comparative Study-13

Chapter Five CONCLUSION-16

WORKS CITED-17