English/Chinese – Chinese/Chinese. On Reading Poetry through Translation

Abstract

In this essay I offer a theoretical assessment of the process of translating and propose a formula to represent this process. I also sketch a method to study literature through translation, with the aim of challenging dichotomous views on translation and elaborating a working hypothesis consonant with the mutual articulation and cross-production that I regard as inherent in translation. In discussing this approach to literature, I shall draw attention to the case of translating contemporary Chinese poetry, with reference to the recent debate on the subject.