Overview of English Translation Studies on The Analects of Confucius

Abstract

As a cornerstone of Confucianism, The Analects of Confucius encapsulates profound political, ethical, and educational insights, profoundly influencing subsequent generations. This paper delves into the English translation of The Analects of Confucius, examining its translation history, strategies, and cultural exchange impacts. The paper begins with a concise introduction to the book and its author, followed by a historical overview of its English translations, analyzing the evolution from early missionary attempts to contemporary scholars' diverse explorations. It then selects representative translations by James Legge, Thomson, Ku Hung-ming, and Roger T. Ames, comparing their approaches to translating words, sentences, and rhetorical devices. Regarding translation strategies, the paper discusses the blend of literal and free translations, the handling of culturally loaded words, and evaluates their fidelity to the original ideas. Ultimately, the paper analyzes and summarizes the positive contributions of the English translation of the book to Sino-Western cultural exchanges and the dissemination of Confucian thought.