An Analysis of the English Translations of “<i>The</i> <i>Rubaiyat</i>” from the Perspective of Guo Moruo’s “Charm Translation”

本文基于郭沫若的风韵译观，探讨了《鲁拜集》的不同英译本。《鲁拜集》作为欧玛尔海亚姆的作品，在波斯文学史上占有非常重要的地位，也因此伴随着不同的语言译本被译介到东西方文化之中。郭沫若的风韵译观指出在译介的过程中译文与原文所共同追求的是诗风风格和韵味风格，译文要体现出“信达雅”，这一核心的翻译理论在具体的翻译实践中得到了充分体现与淋漓尽致的发挥。文章首先从郭沫若翻译理论的有关因素——对于原文意义的理解、译文的顺美、艺术性，以及译者的责任感进行分析与探讨。然后从英译本的翻译方法与技巧——自由体、意境的再现与创造性的译文、文化适应性等方面对《鲁拜集》的英译本进行探讨。文章最后分析了英译本的得与失，将郭沫若的翻译理论应用于英译本，并探讨了英译本的成功之处及未来的参考与启示。Based on Guo Moruo’s view of “charm translation”, this paper explores different English translations of “The Rubaiyat”. As a work by Omar Khayyam, “The Rubaiyat” holds a very important position in the history of Persian literature. Consequently, it has been translated into both Eastern and Western cultures in various language versions. Guo Moruo’s view of “charm translation” states that in the process of translation, both the translated text and the original text aim for the same poetic and charming styles. The translated text should reflect the principles of “faithfulness, expressiveness, and elegance”, and this core translation theory is fully embodied and elaborately demonstrated in specific translation practices. First, this paper analyzes and discusses the relevant factors of Guo Moruo’s translation theory, including the understanding of the original meaning, the smoothness and beauty of the translation, artistry, and the translator’s sense of responsibility. Then, it explores the English translations of “The Rubaiyat” from aspects such as the translation methods and techniques of the English versions, including free verse, the reproduction of artistic conception and creative translations, and cultural adaptability. Finally, it analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the English translations, applies Guo Moruo’s translation theory to the English versions, and discusses the successes of the English translations as well as the references and inspirations for the future.