Abstract

Culture-specific items, serving as a bridge between two cultures, have long been a focal point in translation studies. In 1996, Javier Franco Aixelá proposed a widely recognized definition and classification system for culture-specific items, along with corresponding translation strategies, significantly advancing research in this field. Luotuo Xiangzi, written by Lao She (1899–1966), is one of the most iconic works of modern Chinese literature. Since its publication, Luotuo Xiangzi has garnered international attention and has been translated into four English versions. Among these, Jean M. James’s translation stands out for its recognition and inclusion in prominent American university libraries.

Despite this, research on James’s translation remains limited, particularly regarding her handling of culture-specific items. To address this gap, the present study, guided by Aixelá’s theoretical framework, conducts a comprehensive analysis of James’s culture-specific items translation strategies and the challenges she faced in translating culturally bound expressions from Chinese into English. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, the study identifies key factors influencing James’s translation decisions and explains major challenges in dealing with Chinese culture-specific items. The findings reveal James’s preference for conservative-oriented strategies over substitution-oriented strategies, reflecting her tendency to preserve cultural nuances rather than replace them with target culture equivalents. This study provides new insights into the practical application of Aixelá’s theory in Chinese-English literary translation and highlights the complexities of cross-cultural translation practices.

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