Title:
TRANSLATING RÉN FROM THE ETYMOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: A CASE STUDY OF LECTURES ON TRADITIONAL CHINA’S POLITICAL THOUGHTS

Authors:
Dan Yang ,China

Abstract:
“?” (Rén) is an important culture-loaded word in traditional Chinese classics and one of the essences of Confucianism. On the basis of reviewing the English translation researches of “?” (Rén), this study examined the 52 English translations of 16 quotations containing “?” (Rén) in Lectures on Traditional China’s Political Thoughts1 (Xv Datong, 2015). Results show that the English translations of “?” (Rén) are unbalanced, the translation methods of “?” (Rén) by the same translator are not uniform, and the parts of speech of “?” (Rén) by different translators are different, the typical translations of “?” (Rén) by native local and overseas translators are characterized by atypical distribution. Based on the etymological interpretation of the corresponding English concepts of “?” (Rén), by exploring the rules of the English translations of “?” (Rén), this study points out that the transliteration method “Ren” is an important way to enhance the international academic discourse right, helps the world understand “China in philosophy and social science”, and provides practical enlightenment for the proper translation of “?” (Rén) in the mainstream communication channels of English-speaking countries.