Re-examination of Stephen Owen's English Complete Translation of The Poetry of Du Fu

Abstract

        The complete English translation of the poetry of Du Fu (712-770) completed in 2016 translated by Prof. Stephen Owen, marks a new milestone of overseas academic works on Du Fu and traditional Chinese poetry. Based on extensive research on classical Chinese literature, Prof. Stephen Owen gradually cultivates his strategy and preferences on Chinese-English translation. It is, therefore, necessary to conduct a close reading on his sample translation of selected poems of ancient-style, regulated verses and quatrains to reveal and evaluate the value and quality of his translation objectively by analyzing the syntax, structure, imagery, rhyme, etc. under the vertical and horizontal perspectives of comparing others works with his own earlier versions. Using those approaches enhances better prediction of new predispositions and the direction of overseas studies of classical Chinese literature.