Ecological Translatology in the Translation of Ancient Chinese Poetry: A Case Study of The Departure from Baidicheng in the Morning

Abstract

The paper explores the translation of Li Bai’s poem The Departure from Baidicheng in the Morning. Applying the Eco-translatology theory, it aims to analyze how different English translations—by Xu Yuanchong, Yang Xianyi and Dai Naidie, and Weng Xianliang—reflect the adaptation of language, culture, and communication in the translation process. Given “Adaptation and Selection” Idea as well as “Three-D” Theory, the paper compares the linguistic, cultural, and communicative strategies employed by these translators. The findings suggest that each translation demonstrates varying degrees of adaptation, with Xu Yuanchong’s version achieving the most balanced ecological transformation. It is also found that Eco-translatology provides valuable insights into enhancing the accuracy and cultural transmission of Chinese poetry in translation.