Translating Chinese erotica: Re-inventing otherness

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Abstract

The classification of a literary work as erotica or pornography is a socially constructed act. This becomes even more conspicuous in translation where the text and its content are repackaged and even (re)invented. By examining the translation of erotic Chinese texts, such as Jin Ping Mei and Rou Putuan, this chapter explores how translation approaches, the packaging of translated texts, and target genre conventions can influence the reading, and subsequently shape the perception, of erotic texts and the culture(s) they represent. Seemingly faithful linguistic transfer can give rise to a more erotic text than the Chinese original, and typographical otherness can become an announcement of the text’s pornographic positioning. The otherness demonstrated in illustrations often reflects stereotypical Western perceptions of Chinese culture, and when erotic Chinese masterpieces are appropriated by target genres, such as pulp fiction or erotic manga, the resulting pornographic otherness can hardly be attributed to the Chinese original. Translation of sexuality in Chinese literature therefore often features otherness that is (re)invented in and for the target context, thus shedding more light on the Self (i.e., target culture) than on the Other (i.e., the source culture).
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Routledge Handbook of Translation and Sexuality
EditorsBrian James Baer, Serena Bassi
Place of PublicationAbingdon UK
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter8
Pages125-139
Number of pages15
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9780429462962
ISBN (Print)9781138580794, 9781032829630
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Keywords

  • Chinese erotica
  • pornography
  • otherness
  • Jin Ping Mei
  • Rou Putuan

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