Part 2: UCL / SOAS (Online) Global Translation Lecture Series 2020-21

Abstract

Ecology has become a prominent scientific discipline specifically dedicated to the research of the survival and sustainability of human civilization, cultures and languages. The rise of eco-critical theories has provided translation scholars with new ways of thinking through the relation between ecology and translation activities. From an eco-translation perspective, translation is viewed primarily as a means of information communication that contributes to the interplay between humanity and natural ecology. This talk will introduce the key concepts such as anthropocene and eco-translation and relate the concepts to the discussion of two Chinese translations of Love of Life by Jack London. By comparing the two translation versions in the three eco-dimensions of ecological holism, anthropocentrism and ecological aesthetics, we will find that the ecological thoughts of the author and original work are to a large extent rewritten in the translation process. It is suggested that the eco-critical perspective can help to enrich the theory and practice of translation studies.

Bionote

Kacey LIU Jianwen is currently Assistant Professor in the Department of English Language and Literature, Hong Kong Shue Yan University. She received her Ph.D. degree in Gender Studies/Translation Studies from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include gender-based translation studies, translation and ecology, and gender studies.