Research talk: ‘Translating Sanxingdui- challenges and opportunities’ by XU Yuanyuan

Speaker: XU Yuanyuan, lecturer in English and translation at Xihua University, Chengdu

Abstract

The large number of unique relics unearthed at Sanxingdui (Sichuan, China) have both astounded and confounded scholars, with various theories having been developed to try to understand and explain the origin and demise of the ancient Shu civilization in China. Despite extensive efforts to publicise this fascinating civilisation and its relics, the difficulty of translating texts on the subject has resulted in a low level of public awareness. Therefore the translation of various genres of texts on Sanxingdui would be valuable in the dissemination of knowledge about Sanxingdui around the world.

Translating the complexities of the Sanxingdui culture is a difficult task fraught with cultural gaps and ambiguous terminology. This talk will explore the challenges of translating texts from Chinese to English about Sanxingdui artefacts, texts, and cultural concepts, including overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers. From grappling with the nuanced meanings of specific terms to deciphering symbolic motifs deeply rooted in ancient beliefs, this talk will demonstrate the multifaceted layers of translation difficulties inherent in Sanxingdui culture.

It is hoped that this talk will go some way in bridging the gap between the past and the present, raise further awareness of the discoveries of Sanxingdui, and provide a space for rich discussion of translation issues and solutions for translating ancient cultures.

Speaker biography

XU Yuanyuan is a lecturer at Xihua University, Chengdu, and has been teaching English and translation for nearly 20 years. She has participated in different kinds of translation projects, including the Dilemma of Subjectivity in the Construction of Chinese Translation Theory and Its Countermeasures, the Ministry of Education of China (2014), Research on Chinese Translation of "Purple Threads , the Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences(2020), Research on the Communication of Bashu Tea Culture, the Sichuan Social Science Association, Translation Project for the Special Issue of "Focusing on Sanxingdui" in the History of Bashu, the Office of Local Chronicles of Sichuan Province （2022）, etc. Her key translations include The Purple Thread (Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, China ). Her research interests focus on literary translation studies, Bashu culture translation, and translation teaching.