Rendering Chinese Classics into English II: A History of Translation Studies

by Pan Wenguo

Overview

This second volume of the three-part encyclopedia of Chinese–English translation provides a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of translation studies in both China and the West. 

The book systematically examines the development of Western translation theory, organizing its progression into five distinct phases. It also traces the history of Chinese translation, from early Buddhist sutra translations to modern practices, offering comparative analysis of Eastern and Western theories and methodologies. Additionally, the volume explores the evolution of Chinese translation theory before and after the twentieth century, with particular attention to the contributions of key figures such as Yan Fu.

An essential resource for scholars, students, and practitioners, this volume offers invaluable insights into translation methodology and serves as a practical guide for those working with classical Chinese texts. It is a must-read for anyone engaged in Chinese–English translation or Chinese studies. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781041080763
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/31/2025
Pages:	356
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Pan Wenguo is a tenured professor and a doctoral supervisor at East China Normal University. He is also the honorary president of the China Association for Comparative Studies between English and Chinese. As a renowned linguist, bilingual expert, and senior translator with international recognition, Professor Pan has made significant contributions to diverse fields: Chinese-English contrastive studies, Sinogram ontology, Middle Chinese rhyme tables, history of Chinese word formation, naming conventions across cultures, Western translation theory, translating practice, philosophical linguistics, teaching Chinese as a foreign language, and promoting Chinese culture globally.

Table of Contents

Part I. A Brief History of Western Translation Theory  1. The Study of Translation Theory  2. Phase I: Classical  3. Phase II: Literary  4. Phase III: Philosophical  5. Phase IV: Linguistic  6. Phase V: After “Cultural Turn”  Part II. A Brief History of Translation and Translation Studies in China: Before the 20th Century  7. From the Origins to Buddhist Sutra Translation  8. Translations in the Ming and Qing Dynasties: From Science and Technology to Reform  9. Yan Fu’s Thoughts on Translation  Part III. A Brief History of Translation and Translation Studies in China: Since the 20th Century  10. The Translation Trend in China in the Twentieth Century  11. Theoretical Research I  12. Theoretical Research II  13. Research on Translation of Terminology  14. Characteristics of Poetry Translation  15. Concepts of Poetry Translation Research and their Historical Origin