Translating Narrative Space in Cao Wenxuan’s Bronze and Sunflower

Authors:
Zhao Meijuan (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia and Baise University China, China)
Ang Lay Hoon, Sabariah Bt Md Rashid, Florence Toh Haw Ching (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia)
Speaker: Zhao Meijuan
Topic: Language and Spatiotemporal Frames
The (SCOPUS / ISI) SOAS GLOCAL CALA 2020 General Session

Abstract

Translated children’s works from English to Chinese have flooded into China unprecedentedly since the end of the nineteenth century. However, there is a discrepancy in the translation of Chinese children’s works into the English language. This is maybe because western scholars are still largely ignoring Asian texts for young readers. Therefore, the research aims to fill the gap in the scholarship by studying translated Bronze and Sunflower, which is a renowned work written by Chinese first Hans Christian Anderson winner Cao Wenxuan, from the aspect of narrative space. Spatial framing of narrative underpins the research and offers ways to elaborate space in target language. The discussion centers on how spatial framing strategies are employed to translate space imbedded in children’s literature Bronze and Sunflower. The textual analysis is illuminated through Mona Baker’ narrative translation theory (2006) and narratological framework which is based on three-layered space: constructed space, textual manifestation and scenography. The study explores how the narrative space is constructed in the process of translating Bronze and Sunflower. Result from that, temporal and spatial framing strategies are able to shape the narrative space in the target language. It is hoped that the research enlightens the translation strategies in children’s literature and enhances the reception and acceptance of translated Chinese literary works into the English language.

Keywords: spatial framing, narrative, Bronze and Sunflower, translation, children’s literature