A Corpus-Based Study on China English in the English Translation of Tao Te Ching

Abstract

This study aims to examine the features of China English in the translation of Chinese classics by comparing two versions of Tao Te Ching based on corpus data. Of the two English versions, one was translated by a well-known Chinese translator—Xu Yuanchong, and the other was translated by an American sinologist—Arthur Waley. This study found that Xu’s translation indicates more features of China English compared with Waley’s translation according to three major aspects. First, Xu’s translation is more concise, employing fewer words to translate Tao Te Ching. Second, Xu’s version features fewer clauses and more clear sentences. Third, the paratactic nature of China English is reflected in Xu’s translation, which has more content words and less cohesiveness. This study reveals the characteristics of China English in translation texts and partly fills the research gaps regarding the quantitative research in this field.