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Article published In: FORUM
Vol. 22:1 (2024) ► pp.96–117

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Networking in online collaborative translation

An ANT perspective of translating Horizon, Bright Moon, Sabre on Wuxiaworld

 | University of MacauMacau
 | Shanghai International Studies University
Published online: 25 April 2024
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https://doi.org/10.1075/forum.00037.xu
Abstract
Translation practice on the internet has produced a new mode of translation activity that has significantly changed the traditional understanding of translation, especially the relationship between different agents. Drawing on Latour’s Actor-Network Theory (ANT), this study attempts to explore the networking procedure of the translation activity on the website Wuxia­world of the Chinese martial arts novel Horizon, Bright Moon, Sabre, examining the dynamics of the formation and function of the network and the roles played by the actors involved. It focuses on the four aspects delineated by ANT: the confirmation of the scenario, the problematization of content, the enrollment of actors, and the completion of the network. The findings suggest that the translation practice on Wuxia­world establishes a well-constructed, not a random and unorganized, network, which attracts loyal fan-readers, enrolls qualified translators, maintains a well-functioning network, and presents a dynamic structure of immediate interactivity. All these lead to a new and reshaped translator-reader relationship of instant interaction.
Résumé
La pratique de la traduction sur Internet a engendré un nouveau paradigme dans l’activité traductive, bouleversant radicalement la conception traditionnelle de la traduction, notamment en ce qui concerne les interactions entre les différents acteurs impliqués. Cette étude, s’inspirant de la théorie de l’acteur-réseau (Actor-Network Theory – ANT) de Bruno Latour, vise à analyser le processus de mise en réseau de l’activité de traduction sur le site Wuxia­world, en se concentrant sur la traduction du roman chinois d’arts martiaux “Horizon, Bright Moon, Sabre”. Elle examine la dynamique de formation et de fonctionnement de ce réseau, ainsi que les rôles des acteurs concernés. L’analyse se focalise sur quatre aspects clés définis par l’ANT : l’établissement du cadre de référence, la problématisation du contenu, l’engagement des participants et la consolidation du réseau. Les résultats révèlent que la pratique de la traduction sur Wuxia­world génère un réseau structuré et cohérent, attirant une communauté fidèle de
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Actor-network theory and its construction procedure
  • 3.Spcnet Forum and Wuxiaworld Website
  • 4.Translation and dissemination of Horizon, Bright Moon, Sabre
    • 4.1Scenario confirmation: Facilitating immediate interactivity among fans
    • 4.2Problematization: Positioning to introduce Chinese culture
    • 4.3Enrollment: Ensuring reader-centered status
      • 4.3.1Measures to enroll translators
      • 4.3.2Reader-centered behavior control
    • 4.4Completion: Establishing a reader-active, transparent and dynamic actor-network
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Postscript
  • Notes
  • References
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