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A Study of the Influence of Mencius' Interpretation Theory on James Legge's Translation and Hermeneutics

Author(s)

Zhang Ping

Affiliation(s)

School of Languages and Cultures, Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, China

Abstract

"Meeting the intention of the writer with sympathetic understanding," a hermeneutical theory put forward by Mencius, has exerted a profound and enduring influence on the academic development of subsequent generations. The widespread acclaim of James Legge's translations in the West can be attributed to his extensive, profound, and meticulous exploration of ancient Chinese culture, as well as his adept application of this Mencian principle in the translation of The Chinese Classics. This paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of James Legge's comprehension of ancient Chinese culture during the translation process and delves into the significant impact of Mencius' hermeneutical theory on Legge's translation practices and hermeneutical perspectives.

Keywords

"Meeting the Intention of the Writer with Sympathetic Understanding"; The Chinese Classics; Hermeneutics

References

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