Factors affecting the reception of English translations of Chinese literature

Studies on the effect of English translation of Chinese literature are paid more attention especially with the national strategy of “Chinese Culture Going Global”. Some scholars hold that the most effective way of evaluating the effect is the observance of the reader’s reception. There exist some Western and Chinese translation theories on reader’s reception. However, they cannot be used as the sole tool to evaluate reader’s reception of English translations of Chinese literature. Some scholars put forward some criteria, such as numbers of the publications, questionnaires, reviews, etc., which are to some extent applicable. The factors behind these criteria affecting the reception of English translations of Chinese literature are yet to be studied. Therefore, this paper will first describe the relevant theories on reception in Western and Chinese translation theories and then give out the criteria of evaluating the reader’s reception of English translation of Chinese literature. At last, such factors as language, social and political factors, translation models, types of readership in the English-speaking countries affecting the reception of English translation of Chinese literature will be discussed.