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Abstract
Reviewing the multiple translation approaches being used in different industries in
Hong Kong, this paper seeks to compare the Chinese and Western thinking about
translation, as a major discourse to compare and contrast the role of translators in Hong
Kong during and after the colonial eras. The main point was not to take a normative
approach in the discussion of development of the Hong Kong translation industry but
to see translational practice as a contingent phenomenon under the influence of the
hegemonic culture, the colonizer. While looking at the relationship between the text
termed the “original” and the “rendition”, we also study the building of core values and
understanding of the surroundings through translation, e.g. the possible change in the
translation system under the development of “professionalism” with regards to the
education policies, turning from the technical aspect of translation to the its cultural
interfaces. The language policy adopted by the Hong Kong government during 1841 to
1997 was also a highlight for discussion, to allow us to derive the quality and virtue
required in a translator during the time being.
Many attempts have been made to historicize the phenomenon of translation under the
presence of the power differentials locally, and pointed out the existence of various
oppositions that have often divided researchers (e.g. high culture versus popular culture,
linguistics versus literary studies versus cultural studies, translation “proper” versus
“adaptation”). The power struggle between different parties involved in translation
further complicated the prevailing translation strategy in view of the possible patronage
from China after the return of sovereignty, discussed in the final section after the case
study on basic law.
Keywords: multiple translation approaches, language policy, colonization, power
differentials, education policies, professionalism, patronage
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