Bibliometric analysis of literary retranslation in China: a sociological perspective

Retranslation is a critical domain in global translation studies. However, research on Chinese retranslation is often limited to linguistic analyses or canonical literary cases. This study aimed to address this research gap through a bibliometric analysis of Chinese retranslation research from 1991 to 2024 integrating Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory and Bourdieu’s field theory to examine the relevant sociological dynamics. Data from China National Knowledge Infrastructure were analysed using VOSviewer to map the research trends, journal distributions, core authors, and keyword clusters. Findings indicated four developmental phases. While linguistic journals dominate publications, interdisciplinary engagement in philosophy and history is limited. Core authors, particularly those from translation studies, tend to exhibit cross-field elite dominance. Themes focus on literary canons, translator subjectivity, and ethics, with Western theories prevailing over underdeveloped indigenous frameworks, reflecting global knowledge hierarchies. This study systematically maps the field’s landscape, identifies the gaps in nonliterary research and international visibility, and advocates interdisciplinary approaches to address cultural capital inequalities.