JHASS

Article http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.05.018

Translation of Chinese Traditional Costume-related Texts from the Perspective of Cross-cultural Communication

TOTAL VIEWS: 506

Shuzhen Jiang1,3, Zhuopeng Shen2,*

1School of Foreign Languages, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang, China.

2School of Foreign Languages, Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.

3Hangzhou Collaborative Innovative Institute of Language Services, HCU, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang, China.

*Corresponding author: Zhuopeng Shen

Published: May 31,2025

Abstract

With the globalization of cultural exchanges, the accurate translation of traditional costume texts has become pivotal for disseminating cultural heritage internationally. Focusing on the China National Silk Museum’s collection translations, this study investigates strategies for rendering culturally specific elements, such as color terms, pattern descriptors, culture-loaded phrases, and technical nomenclature, into English. By analyzing translation cases through the lens of cross-cultural communication theory, the research highlights the necessity of balancing cultural fidelity with target-language accessibility. Key findings reveal that hybrid approaches, combining literal translation, transliteration, and contextual adaptation, effectively preserve cultural authenticity while ensuring clarity for international audiences. The study underscores the role of translators as cultural mediators, advocating for strategies that prioritize functional equivalence and intercultural sensitivity. This work contributes practical methodologies for translating traditional textile texts, emphasizing the harmonization of linguistic precision and cultural resonance to advance global understanding of China’s sartorial heritage.

References

Bassnett, S., & Lefevere, A. (1998). Constructing cultures: Essay on literary translation. Bristol: Multilingual Matters.

Derrida, J. (1982). Margins of philosophy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Dong, K., & Quan, F. (2024). Analysis of English translation strategies for vocabulary in ethnic costume texts from the perspective of cultural translation: A case study of "Beautiful Splendid Zhuang Ethnic Costumes". New Chu Culture, (29), 52-55.
doi:10.20133/j.cnki.CN42-1932/G1.2024.29.013

Huang, L., & Huang, X. (2015). Translation of Chinese proper nouns in cross-cultural communication: Taking the historical materials of international friends' aid to China in Guilin anti-Japanese war cultural city as an example. Journal of North China University of Science and Technology, 15(01), 108-111.

Loreta, U. (2014). Psychology of translation in cross-cultural interaction. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences.

doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.197

Nida, E. A., & Taber, C. R. (1969). The theory and practice of translation. Leiden: E.J. Brill.

Venuti, L. (1994). The translator's invisibility: A history of translation (1st ed.). London: Routledge.

Waard, J. d., & Nida, E. A. (1986). From one language to another: Functional equivalence in Bible translating. Nashville: Nelson.

Wang, T., & Fu, X. (2023). Translation strategies for silk costumes in "Dream of the Red Chamber" from the perspective of cultural dissemination. English Square, (31), 16-19.
doi:10.16723/j.cnki.yygc.2023.31.004

Wang, X., & Cao, R. (2024). The gains and losses of English translation of clothing in The Book of Songs from the perspective of cultural translation. Journal of Zhejiang Institute of Science and Technology, 52(04), 391-398.

How to cite this paper

Translation of Chinese Traditional Costume-related Texts from the Perspective of Cross-cultural Communication

How to cite this paper: Shuzhen Jiang, Zhuopeng Shen. (2025) Translation of Chinese Traditional Costume-related Texts from the Perspective of Cross-cultural Communication. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science9(5), 964-969.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.05.018