Translator Subjectivity in Goldblatt’s Translation of Sheng Si Pi Lao

Drawing on (Verschueren, Understanding Pragmatics, Arnold Publishing, 1999) Pragmatic Adaptation Theory, this chapter explains how translator subjectivity (as an internal manipulative factor) affected Goldblatt’s translation of Sheng Si Pi Lao. It is divided into three parts: (1) a working definition of translator subjectivity based on a combination of the philosophical interpretation of subjectivity and Verschueren’s pragmatic adaptation; (2) an examination of Goldblatt’s subjectivity in his choice of translation content and strategy; and (3) a discussion of the relationship between translator subjectivity, flexibility and creativity, and between subjectivity and individuality. The influence of Goldblatt’s subjectivity on his translation of Sheng Si Pi Lao will be shown to lead to a translated version featuring a high level of flexibility and individuality.