Research Centre for Translation: Building a Strong Academic Community in Translation Studies

3.1.1 Renditions

RCT’s flagship journal, Renditions, has been published since 1973. The journal is a leading international journal of Chinese literature in English translation, covering over 2000 years of Chinese literature, from classical works of poetry, prose, and fiction to recently published works by writers representing the rich variety of contemporary Chinese literary expression. Beyond its literary scope, the journal frequently features insightful articles on art and Chinese studies, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience. Complementing the written content, each issue is adorned with paintings, calligraphy, and photographs, creating a visual synergy that enriches the reader’s journey.

3.1.2 Renditions Books

Renditions Books, a hardback series published by the RCT, was launched in 1976 with a more academic focus. Older titles in the series include anthologies of works in various literary forms from individual periods in Chinese history, carefully translated and compiled by eminent scholars, such as Stephen C. Soong and George Kao, and are often sprinkled with insightful literary criticisms that inspire generations of researchers. The series also boasts some of the earliest translations of the most fundamental texts in Classical Chinese, the most representative of which being the Records of the Grand Historian (trans. Burton Watson), an influential work that formed the basis of much literary and historical discourse. In recent years, the series has embraced modern literature with a view to sparking academic interest on works by modern writers in the sinosphere. The publication of Crystal Boys (trans. Howard Goldblatt), Pai Hsien-yung’s ground-breaking novel that explored taboo topics in Taiwan, showcases the series’ commitment to bringing impactful modern Chinese works to a global audience.

3.1.3 Renditions Paperbacks

Renditions Paperbacks series has been published since 1986 to satisfy readers with a more eclectic taste in literature. With its portable design, the series has attracted a wider readership among general readers. The 37 widely acclaimed titles by celebrated authors and translators in the series fall into five categories: Hong Kong Literature, Women Writers, Contemporary Fiction, Modern Poetry, and Classical Literature, allowing readers to discover important works sharing a similar theme. The three volumes by the Hong Kong writer Xi Xi, Marvels of A Floating City, My City: A Hongkong Story, and A Girl Like Me and Other Stories (trans. Eva Hung), have played a crucial part in introducing Hong Kong literature to the world. Renditions Paperbacks has received orders from diverse countries, including China, France, Italy, Canada, Vietnam, the US, UK, and Singapore. This underscores the Centre’s accomplishment in nurturing a readership that not only appreciates the scholarly depths of academic publications but also finds resonance in the aesthetic beauty of Chinese literature.

3.2.1 Awards

Stephen C. Soong Translation Studies Memorial Awards: Stephen C. Soong (1919–1996) was not only the founder of RCT but also a prolific writer and translator. To commemorate his contributions in this field, the “Stephen C. Soong Translation Studies Memorial Awards” were set up in 1997 by RCT. The awards are given each year to scholars who have made contributions to original research in Chinese Translation Studies, particularly in the use of first-hand sources for historical and cultural investigations. RCT remains committed to celebrating and recognizing noteworthy advancements in translation studies through this highly-regarded award.

3.2.2 Conferences

Young Researchers’ Conference on Chinese Translation Studies: With the aim of encouraging young scholars to actively participate in Chinese translation studies and strengthen academic exchange, RCT has since 2004 organized a biennial “Young Researcher’s Conference on Chinese Translation Studies”. The first conference of this series was held at CUHK in the same year. About 20 papers are accepted for each conference, and four to five established scholars in Chinese translation history are invited as discussants for selected papers.

International Conferences on Chinese Translation History: RCT launched the first “International Conference on Chinese Translation History” in 2015. This conference series aspires to explore Chinese translation history within the bigger framework of world civilization and human thought, and aims to lay groundwork for new models, methods, and perspectives in this innovative interdisciplinary branch of learning through detailed case studies. The conference series is held every two years, with a different central theme for each conference. Since its inauguration, RCT has successfully organized four conferences in this series. The conferences have attracted scholars from different disciplines. Their interdisciplinary participation promotes insightful discussions and the exchange of research findings in the field of Chinese translation history.

3.2.3 Summer School

Summer School on Chinese Translation History: RCT launched its biennial “Summer School on Chinese Translation History” in 2009, possibly the first one of its kind in the world. About 60 young talents, mostly postgraduate students, are selected from all over the world for each summer school. The Summer School runs for seven days, during which participants engage in intensive lectures delivered by distinguished scholars as well as group discussions that facilitate meaningful exchanges of ideas among young scholars. It provides invaluable learning experiences for the attendees.

3.2.4 Publications

Translation Studies Research (Book Series): This is the first book series initiated by RCT. With a focus on cultural translation activities throughout Chinese history, this series published six titles between 1999 and 2005, among which Translation and Creation: On Early Modern Chinese Translation of Foreign Fiction and Rewriting Chinese Translation History are seminal works in the domain of Chinese translation history. With detailed analysis of case studies, fresh perspectives, and novel research methods, these two books provide foundational knowledge for researchers who are new to the field.

Studies in Translation History (Journal): This journal is an annual journal edited by RCT and published by Fudan University Press since 2011, making it the first journal in the world devoted solely to the study of Chinese translation history. In the eight issues published before its suspension in 2018, high-quality academic papers on Chinese Translation History and translated works on non-Chinese Translation History were published, winning strong acclaim from scholars in the field.

Studies in Translation History (Book Series): With the aim of actively promoting the study of Chinese translation history, RCT has been planning this book series in Chinese since 2010. The series is specifically focused on case studies of Chinese translation history. So far, three titles by distinguished scholars in the field have been published, and a few more are in the pipeline.

Towards a History of Translating (Book Series): To commemorate RCT’s 40th anniversary in 2011, the three-volume Towards a History of Translating was compiled. The first two volumes consist of articles on translation and Chinese literature selected from past issues of Renditions, while the third volume is a collection of invited articles from distinguished scholars in the field of translation studies.

Asian Translation Traditions Series (Book Series): With the aim of enhancing high-quality research in the translation traditions of Asian countries and filling the vacancy in English publications on translation history, RCT launched its “Asian Translation Traditions” book series in 2014. This series, in English, brings together scholars working on various topics in Asian translation history. Up to date, five titles have already been published.

Young Researchers’ Studies in Translation History (Book Series): In line with RCT’s commitment to fostering a new generation of scholars, the Centre recently launched its “Young Researchers’ Studies in Translation History” book series. The objective of this book series is to offer young scholars in the field of Chinese translation history the opportunity to publish their Master’s thesis or Ph.D. dissertation. By offering a dedicated platform, RCT aims to showcase the valuable contributions made by these emerging scholars, thereby contributing to the overall advancement of translation history as a discipline.