Bridging Poetic Worlds: A Systematic Analysis of Xu Yuanchong’s Translation Aesthetics and Practice

Abstract

Xu Yuanchong (1921-2021) stands as a distinctive and influential figure in modern Chinese translation history, renowned particularly for his English and French translations of classical Chinese poetry. This paper aims to systematically examine the core driving forces behind his translation endeavors, his major achievements in translated works, and his unique framework of translation strategies. The study finds that Xu’s motivation was deeply rooted in a strong sense of national cultural confidence and a pursuit of the "art of beautification." His translated corpus spans a wide range, from the Book of Songs to the poetry of Mao Zedong. Central to his practice are his "Theory of Three Beauties" (beauty in sense, sound, and form) and "Theory of Three Transformations" (deepening, equalizing, and simplifying). Through analysis of specific translation examples, this paper explores the application of these strategies and discusses the value and inspiration of his theoretical framework for cross-cultural communication.