Title: A Probe into Multi-dimentional Interpretations and English Translations of “Intricate Syntax” in Classical Chinese Poetry

Abstract: The “intricate syntax” in classical Chinese poetry, with its grammatical components intertwined with each other, inspires semantic vagueness and ambiguity. The openness to various interpretations of this special pattern, which forms a register brimming with flexibility and tension, gives rise to a broader poetic and aesthetic vision, and as a result, evokes readers’ sympathy and sense of participation. While bringing into full play the misty and veiled beauty unique to ancient Chinese poetry, however, the intricate syntax poses a huge challenge to its English translation. The present paper is, with the syntax of modern English poetry as reference, a probe into the grammatical composition, muti-dimensional interpretations and feasible way of translation for “intricate syntax.” By adapting ancient Chinese poetry to English modes of expression, this tentative attempt is expected to imbue Chinese poetry with world values and promote dialogue between Chinese and English poetics.

Keywords: intricate syntax, multi-dimentional interpretations, poetic beauty of ambiguity, poetry translation, literature translation

Author: Pingyun Qian, Associate Professor, School of Foreign Languages, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, China.

DOI: 10.19967/j.cnki.flc.2024.02.003