Pulse, City University of Hong Kong’s blog on Chinese culture, notes that Chinese author Mo Yan—much translated in English—has been named an Honorary Fellow by the influential Modern Language Association. But, opines blogger Audrey:
…his works in English translation are heavily edited. It is not just rewriting a couple of sentences or paragraphs, but in some cases entire chapters or the order of events need a complete overhaul. The translator, well-known sinologist Howard Goldblatt, once explained it is the editors who suggest these changes in order to suit the taste of the Western reader.
One would wonder how much is gained and how much is lost. But Mo Yan agrees to the changes, if it means getting published and launched on the American market. If it was not for these publications, he might not have gained fame and get elected as MLA Honorary Fellow.
June 10th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Mmm… Read Life and death are wearing me out and compare it to the Chinese. It’s interesting to see that the cutting/editing becomes more and more severe the closer you get to the end of the book. Translator fatigue, perhaps?
June 11th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Mo Yan has always said that translations are another version of his books, under the responsibility of the translator.The editing and (sorry to say with due respect to H. Goldblatt) the translating job in the US of some of his novels (for example “Big Breasts, Wide Hips”) show very little respect.
This is some form of censorship: the publisher considers that this book being different from american standards (which have universal value!!)should be altered. This is in line with some comments by censors of the chinese Communist party!
It is not even sure that this “editing” helps to sell the book. In France 15 novels by Mo Yan have been translated (6 in the US)and the translations by Noel and Liliane Dutrait or Chantal Chen Andro (professors of chinese literature in major french universities) have possibly a better understanding of Mo Yan novels. Studies and research on the works of Mo Yan has been developing under the guidance of these professors.
In France more than 20 chinese novels are published yearly (last year 6 in the US !), no need for american style editing; publishers should show respect for other cultures!
July 26th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
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