本文是一篇英语毕业论文，本次翻译实践希望能够帮助读者了解该时期的山东文化历史故事，给研究无本回译、中国文化、中美文化视角差异的学者提供新的思路。
1 Introduction
1.1 Introduction to the Source Text and the Author
A Daughter of Han: The Autobiography of a Chinese Working Woman (Ida Pruitt 1967) is a captivating memoir, which unveils the life story of Ning Lao T'ai-t'ai, a hardworking Chinese woman during the early 20th century. Mrs. Ning was born in Penglai, Shandong. Despite her family's financial struggles, her father managed to support them by selling pastries. At the age of fifteen, Mrs. Ning married a man who was fourteen years older than her. They had two daughters, but her husband's opium addiction left the family destitute. Eventually, he sent one of their daughters away, prompting Mrs. Ning to leave him. After years apart, they reunited, and Mrs. Ning gave birth to a son. She resiliently raised her entire family, including her daughters and their husbands. Eventually, Mrs. Ning and her son moved to Beiping (now Beijing), where they found themselves caught in the turmoil of the outbreak of the War of Resistance against Japan.
The author Ida Pruitt dedicated her life to the study of Chinese culture and society. Born on February 2, 1888, in California, Pruitt's fascination with China began when she relocated to Beijing in 1917 as part of a missionary effort. Immersing herself in the local culture, she acquired fluency in the Chinese language and developed a profound understanding of Chinese customs and traditions. Her interactions with the Chinese people greatly influenced her cultural perspective and ignited her passion for anthropology.
1.2 Significance of the Translation
The translation process goes beyond language conversion. It serves as a window to Chinese history spanning from 1867 to 1938. Through the stories about Ning, her family, and other significant historical figures, readers are learning a lot about traditional customs such as weddings, funerals, and foot-binding, all within the context of the era. Also, the autobiography wrote the tales of the living experiences of the marginalized individuals, shedding light on the social, economic, and cultural realities of the time. By doing so, the translation contributes to a deeper understanding of Chinese history, particularly the role of women within it.
This translation serves as a compelling autobiography that not only chronicles the life of a working Chinese woman, showcasing her resilience and determination in the face of hardship but also functions as a powerful lens through which the changing roles of women are examined and appreciated. It urges readers to consider the broader implications for an inclusive and equitable society by highlighting the adversities women overcome and the substantial contributions they make.
For scholars interested in gender studies, Chinese traditional culture, and anthropology, this translation offers a valuable perspective. It provides a window into the socio-cultural dynamics of the Sui Dynasty and the evolutionary trajectory of Shandong's Qi family. More than a historical account, it stands as a beacon of empowerment and recognition for women's enduring legacy throughout history.
2 Textless Back Translation
2.1 Definition of Textless Back Translation
Chinese-themed English narratives mainly refer to stories about China told in English. They can be roughly categorized into three types based on the author’s identity, location, and writing language: Firstly, there are cultural works about China recorded by foreign authors, such as The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, and the translated text in this translation report. Secondly, there are English works produced by Chinese people published overseas, intending to tell stories about China, such as My Country and My People by Lin Yutang. Lastly, there are works set in China created by ethnic Chinese authors, such as Amy Tan’s renowned novel The Joy Luck Club.
Toury (1995: 57) defined pseudo translations as “texts which have been pre
