Mapping the Gap: Translation and Dissemination of China’s War of Resistance Historical Documents in the Anglophone World (Since 1937)
- 1 School of Foreign Languages, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
- 2 School of Foreign Languages, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
- 3 School of Foreign Languages, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
Abstract
This study aims to systematically investigate the translation and dissemination patterns of historical documents and publications pertaining to China’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in the English-speaking world. Focusing on materials disseminated in major Anglophone countries since World War II, this research employs bibliographic/documentary analysis to collect, categorize, and examine a substantial corpus of translated historical sources (including books, academic research, periodicals, and audiovisual materials). Our analysis maps the international community’s evolving understanding of China’s contributions to the World Anti-Fascist War and provides a detailed assessment of the current landscape of translating and communicating this crucial body of Chinese historical narratives. The research reveals the following trend: First, the number of translated works related to China’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression has been on a year-by-year rise. Specifically, only about 50 new translations of relevant literary and historical works were recorded in 2010. This figure gradually grew to around 80 by 2015, and surged to over 150 by 2023. And the types of translations are becoming more diverse, including books, academic research results, and audiovisual works aimed at the English-speaking world. However, there are still gaps in the overall translation achievements of China’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression literature in the English-speaking world, which is one reason why China’s contributions during the war have not received the recognition they deserve. Second, there is still a lack of translation of literature regarding the significant contributions made by the China’s War of Resistance led by the Chinese Communist Party and the national spirit reflected in these struggles. Third, the translation and dissemination of major historical facts such as the Nanjing Massacre, are also very scarce. Finally, this paper proposes targeted viewpoints on strengthening the translation of literature related to China’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, including expanding translation content, communication channels, and building trust mechanisms, in order to maximize the recognition of China’s historical status during the war and lay a solid foundation for China’s cultural output and international communication.
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