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Poetic Transformation: An Analysis of the English Translation of Chengjiu's Poems from the Perspectives Translation Aesthetics

Author(s)

Ying Song

Affiliation(s)

School of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou Vocational University of Science and Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

Abstract

From the perspective of translation aesthetics, this study offers an aesthetic analysis of the English translation of Nine Autumn Verses by the Chan monk Shichengjiu. Focusing on the non-formal systems—emotion, intent, and imagery. The analysis integrates classical Chinese poetic and Chan aesthetic principles such as observing things with a Chan mind, imagery born of the heart, and spiritual void and intentional blankness. Through a micro-level interpretation, the paper explores the reproduction and transformation of Emotion and intent, Meaning and imagery in the translation process. It argues that, beyond formal beauty and rhythmic adjustment, English renditions should strive to reconstruct poetic ambience, convey cultural symbolism, and express Chan spirit. Special attention is given to aesthetic features such as ethereal subtlety, the interplay of the real and the void, and the fusion of stillness and motion. This study advocates for a cross-cultural poetic transformation paradigm that retains the original imagery system while embodying the charm of Eastern aesthetics, thereby facilitating the dissemination and reception of Lingnan Chan poetry in the English-speaking world.

Keywords

Translation Aesthetics; Monk poets of Lingnan; Chengjiu; Chan Poetry

References

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