Fu Lei on Translation

Author: Nu An
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Fu Lei not only translated a wealth of works but excelled particularly in capturing the essence of the original. When comparing Fu Lei's translations with the French originals, one finds that the profound meanings and nuances embedded in the original text are skillfully rendered by the translator, earning admiration and praise. — Luo Xinzhang
Fu Lei (1908-1966) was a translator. His courtesy name was Nu An. He was from Nanhui, Shanghai. In 1927, he went to France to study at the University of Paris and the Louvre School of Art History. In 1931, he returned to China and taught art history and French at the Shanghai Art College. From 1933 onwards, he held various positions, including Editor-in-Chief of the Shi Shi Huo Bao (Current Affairs Review) and Chief Compiler of the Central Antiquities Preservation Committee. After the outbreak of the War of Resistance Against Japan, he shifted his focus to translation and writing. Throughout his life, he translated a total of 32 foreign literary masterpieces, with particular achievements in translating and studying the works of Balzac.
Fu Lei, with his rigorous style, extensive knowledge, and lifelong dedication, provided the literary world with over a dozen world-renowned works, contributing significantly to the prosperity of socialist literature in China. His translations are characterized by their ability to convey the essence of the original, achieving high acclaim and widespread influence, forming a distinct translation school. In literary creation, different artistic styles can develop freely; in literary translation, various translation styles can also shine in their own right.
After the liberation, the field of foreign literature translation saw considerable development, but translation theory and criticism did not receive corresponding attention. Following the overthrow of the "Gang of Four," as the literary arts flourished, literary translation was bound to experience new developments. With the continuous publication of translated works, engaging in translation criticism and exploring translation theory, while encouraging different translation schools to showcase their artistic strengths, will undoubtedly improve translation quality and promote the flourishing of literary translation. Fu Lei's translations represent just one school within the translation world, like a single flower among many. Only when various translation schools bloom and compete can we create a vibrant scene of flourishing translations.
For any well-regarded and influential works, including those translated by Fu Lei, multiple translations should be made available to give readers the freedom to choose and the space to appreciate.