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Article published In: FORUM
Vol. 23:1 (2025) ► pp.64–84

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A preliminary exploration of feminist translation strategies

A case study of sexist depictions in Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Trilogy

ORCiD logo with link | Beijing Language and Culture UniversityBeijing
Published online: 28 October 2024
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/forum.23030.tan
Abstract
Interventionist feminist translation theory prompts translators to identify and rectify sexist notions in source texts. It encourages critical awareness and reinterprets texts through a feminist lens. Based on interventionist feminist translation theory, this research investigates how depictions of women’s physical charm, often unnecessary and rooted in stereotypes, are handled in translations. Focusing on seven instances from Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Trilogy — a notable Chinese science fiction work debated for its sexism —, the study contrasts the source text with its English and Spanish translations. By analysing the selected fragments of the Chinese novel and the unmissable alterations to the original in the target texts, this paper demonstrates how the techniques of elision and adaptation can help translators iron out the sexist implications. The findings contribute to our understanding of feminist translation strategies for addressing sexist elements in literary works.
Résumé
La théorie de la traduction féministe interventionniste incite les traducteurs à identifier et à rectifier les notions sexistes dans les textes sources. Elle encourage la prise de conscience critique et réinterprète les textes dans une optique féministe. Basée sur la théorie de la traduction féministe interventionniste, cette recherche étudie comment les représentations du charme physique des femmes, souvent inutiles et enracinées dans des stéréotypes, sont traitées dans les traductions. En se concentrant sur sept exemples tirés de la trilogie des Trois corps de Liu Cixin — une œuvre de science-fiction chinoise notable débattue pour son sexisme —, l’étude met en contraste le texte source avec ses traductions en anglais et en espagnol. En analysant les fragments sélectionnés du roman chinois et les modifications majeures de l’original dans les textes cibles, cet article démontre que les techniques d’ellipse et d’adaptation pourraient aider les traducteurs à aplanir les implications sexistes. Les résultats contribuent à notre compréhension des stratégies de la traduction féministe pour traiter les éléments sexistes dans les œuvres littéraires.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Interventionist feminist translation
  • Sexism in science fiction and Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Trilogy
  • Intervention in translating the explicitly expressed feminine physical beauty
  • Intervention in translating other characteristics related to feminine physical charm
  • Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
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