A Study on English Translation of Allusions in Xi Jinping: The Governance of China from the Perspective of Adaptation Theory

The allusions cited in Xi Jinping: The Governance of China involve profound cultural connotations and wisdom related to traditional Chinese culture, history, and philosophy. This study aims to explore the English translation of these allusions in Xi Jinping: The Governance of China from the perspective of adaptation theory. By considering factors such as cultural differences, translation purposes, and dissemination effects, the adaptability of the translation work are enhanced. Maintaining the essence and emotional expression of the original allusions during the English translation process poses a challenge. Translators need to balance the original context and emotional nuances to ensure effective conveyance and reception of the allusions, thereby contributing to promoting Chinese culture globally and amplifying China’s voice. The process of adaptation involves various aspects, including contextual relation adaptation, linguistic structure adaptation, and dynamic adaptation. This study conducted a statistical analysis of allusions in the text and studied three major types of allusions: poetry, classics, and idioms, using case analysis. Guided by the Adaptation Theory, it adopts translation strategies such as domestication and foreignization, as well as translation methods like literal and free translation, to analyze the transmission of cultural connotations in the English translation of allusions. The application of Adaptation Theory in the English translation of allusions makes readers realize that translation is not only the transformation of language and text but also the transmission of culture. Through these strategies, translators can achieve adaptation in the English translation of allusions, maintaining the cultural connotation and linguistic characteristics of the original text, and enabling the translation to be well disseminated and accepted in the target language and culture.