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Wang Huansheng

ワン ファンシェン

Wang Huansheng

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1939-01-01 （Nantong, Jiangsu, China）
Nationality
China
Languages
Chinese, English, Classical Greek, Latin, Russian
Residence History
Nantong, Jiangsu (birthplace) → Beijing (study/research/residence) → Moscow (study)

Career

Occupations
Translator, Researcher, Scholar
Active Years
1965-
Affiliations
Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (researcher), China Writers Association (member)
Memberships
China Writers Association

Education

Beijing Foreign Studies University
Russian language
Period: 1959-1960
Country: China
Entered in 1959; later studied in Moscow
Moscow State University
Ancient Greek and Roman literature
Period: 1960-1965
Year of Graduation: 1965
Country: Soviet Union (at the time)
Studied classical texts and laid foundation for later translation work

Awards

4th National Book Award
1999
Work: Iliad and Odyssey
Category: 翻訳
Organization: China (relevant awarding body)
Result: 受賞
Lu Xun Literature Prize for Translation (2nd)
2001
Work: Odyssey
Category: 翻訳
Organization: Lu Xun Literary Prize Committee
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Iliad (translated)

Epic / Classical literature

A Chinese translation of Homer's Iliad. Based on the ancient Greek original, the translation emphasizes epic scope and portrayals of heroism.

warheroismfatehonor
Translations
  • Shanghai People's Publishing House edition (2016)

Odyssey (translated)

Epic / Classical literature

A Chinese translation of Homer's Odyssey. Focuses on themes of voyage and homecoming, preserving the sensibility of the classical language.

homecomingjourneywittransformation
Translations
  • Xi'an Jiaotong University Press edition (2017)

Aesop's Fables (translated)

Fables / Translation

A Chinese translation collection of ancient Greek Aesop's fables conveying moral lessons through short tales.

moralityanimal fablesdidacticism
Translations
  • People's Literature Publishing House edition (2015)

Meditations (translated)

161 Philosophy / Translation

A Chinese translation of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, presenting Stoic philosophical thought.

philosophyself-reflectionStoicism
Translations
  • Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences Press edition (2010)

Bibliography

  • Iliad (translation)
  • Odyssey (translation)
  • Aesop's Fables (translation)
  • Meditations (translation)
  • The History of Ancient Roman Literature
  • The History of Ancient Roman Literature and Arts
  • Elegiae (translation)

Translations of Works

  • Iliad - Shanghai People's Publishing House (2016)
  • Odyssey - Xi'an Jiaotong University Press (2017)
  • Aesop's Fables - People's Literature Publishing House (2015)
  • Meditations - Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences Press (2010)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
A balance of literal fidelity to the original and attention to Chinese rhythmic styleA conservative translation approach that seeks to reproduce the sensibility of classical languages
Recurring Motifs
classical mythologyportrayals of heroesfate and ethics

Legacy

Wang Huansheng is one of China's important translators of classical Greek and Latin literature; his Chinese translations of Homer and other classics have had significant impact on scholarship and translation practice in China.

Academic Societies

  • China Writers Association

Quotes

  • I do not call myself a translator.
    Source: jwb.com.cn article (2013) (2013)

Trivia

  • Considered one of the first in China to translate Homer from the original.
  • Entered Beijing Foreign Studies University in 1959 and studied at Moscow State University from 1960.
  • Has translated works from Classical Greek, Latin, Russian and English.