Introducing translation criticism from an eco-translation perspective: Concepts and applications

Abstract

Ecology has become a prominent scientific discipline specifically dedicated to the research of the survival and sustainability of human civilization, cultures and languages. The rise of eco-critical theories has provided translation scholars with new ways of thinking through the relation between ecology and translation activities. From an eco-translation perspective, translation is viewed primarily as a means of information communication that contributes to the interplay between humanity and natural ecology. This talk will introduce the key concepts such as anthropocene and eco-translation and relate the concepts to the discussion of two Chinese translations of Love of Life by Jack London. By comparing the two translation versions in the three eco-dimensions of ecological holism, anthropocentrism and ecological aesthetics, we will find that the ecological thoughts of the author and original work are to a large extent rewritten in the translation process. It is suggested that the eco-critical perspective can help to enrich the theory and practice of translation studies.