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Reconstructing Cultural Memory: English Translation Journey of The Book of Chuang Tzu



Author(s)

XU Xinyi

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DOI:10.17265/2328-2177/2025.11.006

Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China

This paper examines the English translations of The Book of Chuang Tzu by Martin Palmer under Big Translation Theory, which emphasizes cyclical cultural reconstructions. Focusing on three phases—full translation, abridged adaptation and back translation—the study reveals how cultural and philosophical nuances are reshaped during interlingual, intralingual, and intersemiotic conversions. Textual analysis demonstrates that Palmer’s translations, while enhancing readability for Western readers, distorts some of the core Taoist concepts. While the full and abridged versions lead to cultural reconstructions, the back-translated text reflects that, under Big Translation Theory, such reconstructions help to integrate traditional Chinese cultural memory with Western discourse, forming a new type of collective cultural memory. By associating translation activities with building collective cultural memory, the study reveals the cross-cultural and social attributes in translating classical texts, which secures the communicative and prolonged nature of cultural essence.

The Book of Chuang Tzu, Big Translation Theory, Martin Palmer, cyclical cultural reconstruction, collective cultural memory