Domestication and Foreignisation of Translation in Classical Chinese Culture a Systematic Literature Review in the Past Decade (2014-2023)

Abstract

Translations are vital for cultural dissemination, serving as essential tools for communication and fostering interpersonal connections. Two prominent translation methods, domestication and foreignisation, aim to convey culture-specific nuances to foreign audiences through the translation of culturally loaded terms. This study systematically reviews relevant literature on the application of domestication and foreignisation in the translation of classical Chinese texts with cultural overtones. Its primary objective is to determine the significance of these two approaches for readers from other cultures in understanding Chinese culture. Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, this study evaluated the literature on domestication and foreignisation published between 2014 to 2023. A rigorous screening process of 174 articles from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases resulted in the selection of 13 articles for in-depth review. The analysed studies encompassed the theoretical underpinnings of domestication and foreignisation strategies, their practical application in translation dissemination, and various translation perspectives. The discussion further highlighted emerging translation methodologies, such as harmonious translation and multiple identities translation, alongside the traditional domestication and foreignisation dichotomy, suggesting potential avenues for future research directions.

Keywords: Domestication, Foreignisation, Translation, Classical Chinese Culture, Systematic Literature Review