Volume 2,Issue 3
A Review of Studies on the Translation of Shiji
Based on the academic papers retrieved from the CNKI database, this paper presents a visual analysis of the number of domestic studies on the translation of Shiji, and classifies the literature along five dimensions: experience-based research, quantitative research, translation history research, dissemination and impact research, and minor-language translation research. On this basis, and organized around these five research directions, the paper conducts a classified review of Shiji translation studies, summarizes the shortcomings of existing research, and offers suggestions for future research. The study finds that although Shiji translation research has achieved certain results, experience-based studies account for a high proportion and multidimensional research is unbalanced. This paper aims to promote the development of Shiji translation research in a deeper and more comprehensive direction, with a view to providing a reference for its further development.
[1] Cai XL, Hu QW, 2024, If “China” Is Present in Chinese Translation Theories, Confucianism Is Already There. Shanghai Journal of Translators, (02): 7–13.
[2] Fu TJ, 2023, Reflections on Conceptual Pair Translation Based on Knowledge Construction and Discourse Shaping: A Case Study of the English Rendering of “Zhongguo” in Shiji. Chinese Culture Research, (04): 140–148.
[3] He MY, 2022, Late Qing Diplomats and the French Translation and Research of Shiji: Based on Unpublished Letters from Tang Zaifu to Édouard Chavannes Preserved at the Guimet Museum in France. Historical Archives, (04): 121–125.
[4] Jin XR, 2018, Publishing and Overseas Translation: Research on Publishing Paths of Fine Traditional Classics—A Case Study of the Publication and Dissemination of Shiji over the Past Century. China Publishing Journal, (13): 25–29.
[5] Li ZL, Zhu ZW, 2023, Theoretical Dimensions and Communication Effectiveness of Nienhauser’s English Translation of Shiji. Computer-Assisted Foreign Language Education, (06): 25–30 + 109.
[6] Li XY, Kang HM, 2016, A Study on Cultural Accommodation Strategies in the English Translation of Daoist Ideas in Shiji. Journal of Dalian University of Technology (Social Sciences), 37(03): 95–100.
[7] Li XY, 2006, Shiji in the West: Translation, Introduction and Research. Foreign Language Teaching and Research, (04): 303–308.
[8] Li XY, 2006, Narrative Structural Features of Burton Watson’s English Translation of Shiji. Foreign Languages and Their Teaching, (09): 52–55.
[9] Li XY, 2010, Research on Term Alignment Based on a Bilingual Parallel Corpus of Historical Classics, thesis, Dalian University of Technology.
[10] Liu M, Fan XT, 2015, Aesthetic Elements in Chinese Historical Classics and Their Translation: A Case Study of English Translations of Shiji. Journal of Chongqing University of Education, 28(03): 61–65 + 175.
[11] Luo L, 1994, A Review of Shiji Translations. Social Sciences Abroad, (03): 61–62.
[12] Lü Y, 2018, The Translation, Introduction and Research of Shiji in France. International Sinology, (04): 98–106+202.
[13] Tang J, Liang JQ, 2025, A Historical Account of the Translation and Introduction of Shiji in the German-Speaking World. International Sinology, (05): 13–23 + 156.
[14] Wei H, 2018, Research on the Translation and Reception of Shiji in the United States. Chinese Translators Journal, 39(01): 38–44.
[15] Wei H, 2021, On the Overseas Reception Process of English Translations of Shiji. Journal of PLA University of Foreign Languages, 44(02): 48–57 + 159.
[16] Wei H, 2021, Reception and Influence of English Versions of Shiji. Journal of Chongqing Jiaotong University (Social Sciences), 21(03): 97–103.
[17] Wu T, 2018, Reader Acceptability and the Principle of Faithfulness: Dual Limitations of Burton Watson’s English Translation of Shiji. Foreign Language Research, (04): 102–110.
[18] Wu YY, 2011, A Brief Account of Two Translations of Shiji in the United States and Their Influences. Lanzhou Academic Journal, (01): 159–163.
[19] Zhu ZW, Li ZL, 2020, Same History, Different Translations, Hidden Subtleties: A Comparative Analysis of Strategy Differences and Cultural Stances in English Translations of Shiji. Shanghai Journal of Translators, (05): 12–17.
[20] Zhu ZH, 2013, A Study of American Scholars’ Research on Chinese Historiography. Studies in Historiography, (03): 115–126.
