Translation policies in the Republic of China (1912–1949): a comparative study of governmental, semi-governmental, and non-governmental translating institutions

Abstract In contrast to the hesitant attitudes toward translation in imperial China, both the government and individuals in the Republic of China (1912–1949, ROC) recognized the critical importance of translation for the nation and society. This consensus is evidenced by the establishment of at least 86 translating institutions during the Republican Era. The emergence of these institutions brings translation planning to the fore. Based on González Núñez’s conception of translation policy, this study compares translation policies across governmental, semi-governmental and non-governmental institutions in the ROC through case analyses. The findings reveal that governmental institutions implemented strict translation policies aligned with state values, undertaking large-scale projects such as translating foreign academic books and standardizing terminology, in order to strengthen state authority and pursue strategic aims. Semi-governmental institutions, though primarily reliant on government funding, maintained considerable managerial autonomy and prioritized translating works in the humanities to introduce progressive Western ideas to conservative Chinese audiences. Non-governmental institutions, constrained by unstable funding, limited translators, and unclear regulations, mainly focused on single-book translations. Their translation practices, though the quality was inconsistent, still played a crucial role in promoting specific ideologies and advancing particular disciplines during this period.