October 2, 2025Open Access

A Relevance-theoretic Exploration of C-E Translation of the Titles in the Inner Chapters of the Zhuangzi

Key Points

Different translation strategies lead to various connotations, affecting reader interpretation and understanding.
Translators prioritize contextual effects while minimizing cognitive effort for optimal comprehension.
The study analyzes titles of the Zhuangzi using three notable translators: Fung Yu-lan, Burton Watson, and Angus Graham.
This exploration emphasizes the need for flexibility in translation to maintain a balance between comprehension and expression.

Abstract

This paper employs Relevance Theory to perform a comparative analysis of the Chinese-English translation of the titles of the seven Inner Chapters of the Zhuangzi by Fung Yu-lan (1931 2015), Burton Watson (1968 2013), and Angus Graham (1981 2001). It is found that these three translators have different considerations and trade-offs in presenting the connotations of the titles, thus emphasizing different aspects in their choice of translation strategies. In order to offer readers, the optimal contextual effect with minimal cognitive effort, this paper posits that translators are required to interpret the profound connotations of the titles and flexibly employ translation strategies, striving for a dynamic equilibrium between comprehension and expression.

A Relevance-theoretic Exploration of C-E Translation of the Titles in the Inner Chapters of the Zhuangzi

Key Points

Abstract

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