The characteristics of contemporary Chinese translation theory development: a systematic review of studies in core Chinese journals (2012–2022)

Abstract

Researchers have long problematized the prevalence of Eurocentrism in modern Western translation theory. Alternative theories have been developing across many contexts, including China. This review examines 153 theory-related articles in four leading indexed Chinese journals that publish studies on translation. We analyzed the selected articles to explore the patterns in the development of Chinese translation theory through the past decade. Our analysis identified three characteristics of the development of Chinese translation theory: (1) Chinese translation theory developed under a heavy Western influence; (2) translation theories developed by translators; and (3) "theory"-related theoretical development on translation. These insights may help readers who do not have direct access to translation studies published in the Chinese language to better appreciate evolving translation theories that may counteract the inadequacy of Eurocentric approaches.