Translating Dao across a century: the evolution of Daoist interpretation in indirect spanish translations of the Dao De Jing (1931–2023)

This study examines the evolution and cultural impact of Spanish indirect translations of the Dao De Jing, focusing on their role in shaping the reception of Daoist philosophy in Spain. Drawing on a dataset of 81 Spanish editions and analyzing the paratextual elements of 31 representative cases, the research identifies key publication trends, the influence of intermediary languages, and the interpretation approaches that characterize these indirect translations. It challenges the assumption that indirect translation is in decline by demonstrating its continued prominence—particularly through English—and reveals that retranslated versions often obscure intermediary sources through deliberate omissions, thus creating the illusion of direct translation. Building on detailed case studies, the paper illustrates how indirect translations, including those by Pedro Guirao, Caridad Díaz Faes, and others, have mediated and reshaped Daoist ideas in the Spanish context, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of Chinese philosophy in Spain. Furthermore, through a comparative analysis of paratexts, the study identifies four major interpretive phases that have guided this evolution: an initial focus on religious and exotic themes (1930–1980), a later emphasis on humanistic and ecological values (1980–1990), a growing interest in practical philosophy and leadership (2001–2010), and a recent shift toward digital formats and academic rigor (2011–2023).