1. Introduction

Nowadays, with the increasing focus on the cross-cultural communication, more and more attention is paid to translation. And the translation of famous works attracts people’s eyes rapidly. So we can find many different versions of the same famous work. But as a social activity, translation is something concerned with cultural background and social environment. And of course it is also related to life experiences of translators. Therefore, cultural differences and translators’ life experiences should be taken into consideration when we are comparing different versions of the same famous work.

We all know that Hong Lou Meng is one of the four greatest ancient Chinese novels, and zang hua yin is one important part in it. Many people in China and other countries have translated it into English, and the most representative two are Yang Xianyi and David Hawkes. It is necessary for us to have a good understanding of both author’s and translators’ cultural differences and life experiences if we want to compare the two versions of zang hua yin correctly. In order to guarantee the quality of comparison, we should also compare the translation strategies and methods they use. For the sake of readers’ good understanding, examples and contrasts are conducted in my paper.

2. Literature Review

Until now, there exist at least eight English versions of zang hua yin, and the comparative study of these versions becomes popular. People in China and other countries show their interest in the comparison of different versions from different perspectives. Here come some examples. Culture-Oriented Perspective and Translation Strategy Studies on Hongloumeng Translation, written by Qiu Jin and Zhou Hongliang, compares Yangs’ version to Hawkes’ version from the cultural perspective. Contrastive Study on the Translation of Song of the Burial of Flowers from the Perspective of Eco-translatology, written by Huang Yuanjun, focuses on the differences between Yangs’ and Hawkes’ versions from the perspective of eco-translatology. And Study on Construction of Beauty of Poem in Poetry Translation, written by Fan Min, pays attention to the differences from the perspective of poetry translation. Besides, Translation Art of Hongloumeng and Translators’ Styles, offered by Professor Feng Qinghua, attracts readers’ eyes on the translators’ styles. Many others compare them from other perspectives.

From their studies, I am aware of that versions have something to do with translators’ historical background and life experiences. What’s more, the versions are also related to translation strategies and methods the translators use. Therefore, my paper will pay more attention to translators’ historical background, experiences and translation management. Of course, the author of the original is also very important, including his living environment and social background. So, it will be also mentioned in my paper.

3. Introduction of Zang Hua Yin and Its English Versions

3.1 Cao Xueqin and Zang Hua Yin 

Before studying a famous work’s versions, it is necessary to have a good understanding of the original text. And knowing more about the author is also necessary. In other words, we should devote ourselves to finding something more about the author, such as his social environment. So, in this part, Cao Xueqin, his life background and the characteristics of zang hua yin will be discussed. 

3.1.1 Cao Xueqin

Cao Xueqin, the author of Hong Lou Meng, was born in 1715. Although there exist many controversial issues about him at present, he is both the greatest writer and the most complex writer in the history of Chinese literature. 

Cao Xueqin had experienced his childhood in Jiangning, and had lived a life of wealth and luxury till he became a teenager. Then, as a result of the political struggle, his family suffered a series of strikes. At that time, he went back to Beijing with his family. After experiencing a major turning point in life, he felt the indifference in the feudal society deeply. Therefore, he kept away from the officials, and lived a poor life. 《葬花吟》的英译比较(2):http://www.youerw.com/yingyu/lunwen_57902.html