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Article published In: Target
Vol. 36:2 (2024) ► pp.276–310

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Features of translation policies on the Chinese mainland (1979–2021)

A corpus-based analysis of policy documents under a new classification

 | Zhejiang University
 | Zhejiang University
ORCiD logo with link | Zhejiang University
 | Zhejiang University
Published online: 22 March 2024
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.22032.zha
Abstract
This research presents a new classification of translation policy by referring to 2006. “Rearticulating the Case for Micro Language Planning in a Language Ecology Context.” Current Issues in Language Planning 7 (2–3): 147–170. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar framework of language planning. It constructs a policy database containing 363 policy documents issued on the Chinese mainland from 1979 to 2021, and analyzes the features of each policy category by integrating corpus analysis with text analysis. It is revealed that policy documents on translation education aim to train professional translators with standard national tests and postgraduate programs; policy documents on translation profession are committed to improving the professional title system for translators and interpreters; policy documents on translation standardization are supported by national standards and cover various stakeholders and fields; and policy documents on official translation projects aim to disseminate Chinese culture, provide language services for international events, and organize minority language translation. With these findings, this study contributes to research on translation policy with new knowledge about China and a novel perspective, classification, and approach.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Translation policy studies
  • 3.A new classification of translation policies
  • 4.Data and methods
  • 5.Features of China’s translation policies
    • 5.1Policy documents pertinent to translation education
    • 5.2Policy documents pertinent to the translation profession
    • 5.3Policy documents pertinent to translation standardization
    • 5.4Policy documents pertinent to official translation projects
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • List of Internet sources
  • Notes
  • References
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