Abstract
The present contribution examines the dynamics involved in early studies and translations of recently discovered texts. Contrary to transmitted texts where scholars can o!len rely on a wealth of existing research and even translations, translators of excavated materials start out from the editors' version and a very limited number of other publications. Taking the Guadian text "Zhongxin zhi dao" ,\Bfi'.LlJH as an example, the article compares the approaches of the three earliest renderings by Kwan Leung Wong, Dirk Meyer, and Scott Cook of the text into English. Tracing the initial steps towards an ��established understanding'�, the contribution looks for mutual influences but also for reasons for rejections of earlier readings among these authors. n concludes by challenging their understanding with a complete rctranslation of the "Zhongxin zhi dao" that emphasizes the need to tackle the precise meaning of the text's core notions or ::hong and xin to arrive at a more consistent rendering of'thc text and ultimately a clearer idea regarding its possible function.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Reading Through Recovered Ancient Chinese Manuscripts |
Editors | Shirley Chan |
Place of Publication | Sydney |
Publisher | Sydney University Press |
Pages | 131-172 |
Volume | 1 |
Edition | 1st |
ISBN (Print) | 9780959226935 |
Publication status | Published - 2020 |