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The Construction of a New Translation Ethics from the Perspective of Chinese Philosophy 



Author(s)

Hanji Li, Haiqing Chen

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DOI:10.17265/2159-5313/2018.03.003

As a cross-linguistic, cross-cultural, and cross-social activity, translation is affected by cultural moralities. Since the ethical standard of faithfulness has been abandoned by theories of cultural criticism and the power of translators’ manipulation has been constantly exaggerated, the study of translation ethics is an effective remedy for a current dilemma in translation studies. It is a common phenomenon for some translators to erase the linguistic and cultural differences of Chinese literature by catering to target readers’ reception. Social ethics is the foundation of a nation’s translation ethics, which means that thoughts from the Western world may not be suitable for the current situation in China. Learning from concepts of Chinese philosophy including harmony in diversity, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and honesty to formulate a new translation ethics will surely restrain translators’ subjectivity within appropriate limits and develop world culture in more harmonious fashion.

translation ethics, fidelity, Chinese philosophy, translator’s subjectivity