Advancing the field: a VOSviewer-based analysis of research trends in the English translation of <i>Sandalwood Death</i>

This study employs bibliometric and visual analysis techniques, specifically using VOSviewer, to explore the research trends and hotspots related to the English translation of Mo Yan’s Sandalwood Death. Drawing on data from CNKI and Google Scholar, Web of Science, this research covers literature published between 2000 and 2022, with a focus on identifying key themes, influential authors, and institutional contributions. The findings reveal a growing scholarly interest in the translation strategies and cultural implications of Sandalwood Death, with significant attention given to translator subjectivity and the ecological environment of translation (Chen & Liu, 2021; Zhang & Zhao, 2022). Additionally, the study highlights the emerging research clusters around ecological translatology and the global dissemination of Chinese literature (Sun & Huang, 2021; Xu & Feng, 2023). This analysis not only maps the current research landscape but also identifies potential areas for future study, particularly in fostering greater international collaboration and expanding the thematic scope of research on Chinese literature in translation.