A Paratext Perspective on the Translation of the <i>Daodejing</i>: An Example from the German Translation of Richard Wilhelm
In the German translation history of the <i>Daodejing</i>, the version rendered by the renowned German sinologist, Richard Wilhelm, has vigorously propelled the study of Laozegetics in Germany and stands as a translation of historical and scholarly significance. Wilhelm complemented the...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Religions |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/12/1546 |
| _version_ | 1797379488033538048 |
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| author | Xiaoshu Li Yuan Tan |
| author_facet | Xiaoshu Li Yuan Tan |
| author_sort | Xiaoshu Li |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In the German translation history of the <i>Daodejing</i>, the version rendered by the renowned German sinologist, Richard Wilhelm, has vigorously propelled the study of Laozegetics in Germany and stands as a translation of historical and scholarly significance. Wilhelm complemented the concise main text through the use of diverse, precise, and appropriate paratexts, granting his translation both readability and academic rigor. This ensures the admiration of general readers and the recognition of professional scholars. Tailored to the linguistic preferences and educational levels of German readers, Wilhelm frequently employed highly recognizable theological, philosophical, and literary concepts within the German cultural system to elucidate the <i>Daodejing</i>. This translation strategy effectively satisfies the expectation horizon of target readers. In the paratexts, Wilhelm constructs a philosophical framework of Daoism, compares the thought of Confucianism and Daoism, and broadens the dialogue between Chinese philosophical thought and Western intellectual traditions, thereby bestowing upon the <i>Daodejing</i> a renewed vitality in the German-speaking world. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T20:24:00Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-5282dd8710ba40d19ed80df6da82e5e6 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2077-1444 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T20:24:00Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Religions |
| spelling | doaj.art-5282dd8710ba40d19ed80df6da82e5e62023-12-22T14:38:43ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442023-12-011412154610.3390/rel14121546A Paratext Perspective on the Translation of the <i>Daodejing</i>: An Example from the German Translation of Richard WilhelmXiaoshu Li0Yuan Tan1School of Foreign Languages, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, ChinaSchool of Foreign Languages, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, ChinaIn the German translation history of the <i>Daodejing</i>, the version rendered by the renowned German sinologist, Richard Wilhelm, has vigorously propelled the study of Laozegetics in Germany and stands as a translation of historical and scholarly significance. Wilhelm complemented the concise main text through the use of diverse, precise, and appropriate paratexts, granting his translation both readability and academic rigor. This ensures the admiration of general readers and the recognition of professional scholars. Tailored to the linguistic preferences and educational levels of German readers, Wilhelm frequently employed highly recognizable theological, philosophical, and literary concepts within the German cultural system to elucidate the <i>Daodejing</i>. This translation strategy effectively satisfies the expectation horizon of target readers. In the paratexts, Wilhelm constructs a philosophical framework of Daoism, compares the thought of Confucianism and Daoism, and broadens the dialogue between Chinese philosophical thought and Western intellectual traditions, thereby bestowing upon the <i>Daodejing</i> a renewed vitality in the German-speaking world.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/12/1546<i>Daodejing</i> 道德經Richard WilhelmparatextLaozegetics |
| spellingShingle | Xiaoshu Li Yuan Tan A Paratext Perspective on the Translation of the <i>Daodejing</i>: An Example from the German Translation of Richard Wilhelm Religions <i>Daodejing</i> 道德經 Richard Wilhelm paratext Laozegetics |
| title | A Paratext Perspective on the Translation of the <i>Daodejing</i>: An Example from the German Translation of Richard Wilhelm |
| title_full | A Paratext Perspective on the Translation of the <i>Daodejing</i>: An Example from the German Translation of Richard Wilhelm |
| title_fullStr | A Paratext Perspective on the Translation of the <i>Daodejing</i>: An Example from the German Translation of Richard Wilhelm |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Paratext Perspective on the Translation of the <i>Daodejing</i>: An Example from the German Translation of Richard Wilhelm |
| title_short | A Paratext Perspective on the Translation of the <i>Daodejing</i>: An Example from the German Translation of Richard Wilhelm |
| title_sort | paratext perspective on the translation of the i daodejing i an example from the german translation of richard wilhelm |
| topic | <i>Daodejing</i> 道德經 Richard Wilhelm paratext Laozegetics |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/12/1546 |
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