A Study on the Translation Strategies of Imagery and Blank Space in Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out from the Perspective of Reception Aesthetics: A Case Study of Howard Goldblatt’s Translation

In recent years, China’s international status has been steadily rising, along with active efforts to promote the global dissemination of its literary works. However, the translation of culture-loaded terms has emerged as a significant barrier to literary communication. This study focuses on culture-specific terms in the English translation of Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out, analyzing them through the strategy of Reception Aesthetics. It explores two primary translation strategies: catering to readers’ “horizon of expectations” and expanding it. These findings indicate that these strategies effectively convey traditional Chinese cultural elements while maintaining a reader-centered approach, thereby enhancing China’s cultural influence globally. By analyzing Howard Goldblatt’s translation of the novel, this paper demonstrates how to balance cultural fidelity with target readers’ receptivity, preserving the artistic essence of the original text while considering the cultural context of the target audience. The application of these strategies not only help foreign readers understand Chinese literature but also foster cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Thus, precise translation of culture-loaded terms serves as a crucial step in advancing the internationalization of China’s literary masterpieces.