A case study of translation norm dynamics: a Chinese perspective

摘要

The norms governing translation, such as those related to the selection of source texts for translation, change over time. This article presents a theoretical model of norm dynamics by combining the relevant theories about norm evolution in the fields of translation studies, political science, and international relations. Then, focusing on norms related to the selection of texts for translation, we make a case study of translation norm dynamics based on China's history of publishing foreign literature over the past few decades, focusing on Yilin Magazine's publication of the Chinese version of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile. Finally, we discuss the role of actors' agency in norm evolution, strategies of norm entrepreneurship, centralisation, and peripheralisation, as well as the forces shaping norm dynamics. The findings are that norm dynamics are strongly influenced by extrinsic and intrinsic factors, such as diplomatic relations, ideological disputes, changes in the economic system, and commercial considerations.