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 translations of classical Chinese poetry into English and French. This paper systematically examines the core motivations behind his work, his major achievements, and his unique strategic framework. The study finds that his translational drive stemmed from profound cultural confidence and the pursuit of an "art of beautification." His vast corpus spans from the Book of Songsto the poetry of modern. Central to his practice is the "Theory of Three Beauties" (sense, sound, and form) guiding the "Theory of Three Transformations" (deepening, equalizing, and simplifying). Through analysis of specific examples, this paper explores the application of these strategies and discusses the value and inspiration of his theoretical framework for cross-cultural communication.