A Study of the Translation of the Chinese Didactic Literature in the Middle Rattanakosin Period : A Case Study of Translating Jing Jiang Teaching Her Son

Abstract

This study explores the Thai-translated versions of the Chinese philosophical compositions Jing Jiang Teaching Her Son, assumed to be translated around the time of King Rama IV in the Rattanakosin period, a transitional era characterized by a blend of traditional and modern Chinese literature influenced by the West. Unlike the early Rattanakosin period, when translators proficient in Chinese and Thai languages were present, no such individuals were available in the middle of the era. Consequently, various translation strategies, including additions, explanations, and abridgments, were employed to facilitate Thai readers' comprehension of Chinese compositions. The findings of this study reveal that the translation strategies employed in the Thai-translated version of Jing Jiang Teaching Her Son encompassed abridgment, explication, adjustment, and the addition of examples. As a result, a significant disparity between the translated Thai version and the original Chinese text became evident. Notably, in terms of transliterated words from Chinese to Thai, it was observed that the translation work predominantly relied on Teochew for Chinese transliterated words, particularly in the case of personal names. However, some words drew from Hokkien, aligning with the approach observed in other Chinese literary works within Thai society during earlier periods (such as The Story of Western Han, Three Kingdoms, Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms, and the Analects, among others). This is one of the indications of transition observed through the transliteration from Hokkien to Teochew. The researcher postulates that a primary objective of this translation of Chinese philosophy was to introduce Chinese philosophical literature to Thai society while simultaneously reflecting the customs and practices of different social classes.