译者主体性视角下《面纱》汉译本分析——以方译本为例

Analysis of the Chinese Translation of The Painted Veil from the Perspective of Translator’s Subjectivity—Taking Fang’s Version as an Example

摘要: 本文以毛姆经典小说《面纱》的方华文译本为研究对象，依托译者主体性理论，深入且系统地剖析翻译过程中译者主观能动性的具体体现及其对译本产生的多方面影响。《面纱》作为毛姆探讨人性、婚姻与女性觉醒的扛鼎之作，具有极高的文学价值。方华文译本在翻译策略上独具匠心，采用“异化 + 归化”的有机结合方式。在处理殖民语境时，译者巧妙融入中国俗语，使读者更容易产生共鸣；翻译西方宗教、哲学概念时，既保留了核心符号，又进行了本土化转译，兼顾了文化差异与传播效果；同时，译者善用四字成语和对仗句式，极大增强了译本的可读性与文化适应性，这也是该译本在众多“复译”本中脱颖而出的显著特征。从理论层面而言，本文详细阐释了译者主体性的内涵，强调其在翻译活动全流程——译前准备、译中操作、译后等不同维度的充分体现。不过，译本也存在一定的局限性，如对性别中立语言不够敏感，部分文化隐喻未能充分阐释。希望本研究为深入理解译者主体性在文学翻译中的作用，以及制定有效的跨文化传播策略提供了重要参考。

Abstract: This study examines Huawen Fang’s Chinese translation of W. Somerset Maugham’s classic novel The Painted Veil from the perspective of translator’s subjectivity. Through a systematic analysis, the research explores how the translator’s agency manifests in the translation process and its multifaceted impact on the target text. The Painted Veil, a masterpiece delving into human nature, marriage, and female awakening, holds significant literary value. Huawen Fang’s translation demonstrates a unique strategy that skillfully combines foreignization and domestication. When dealing with colonial contexts, the translator incorporates Chinese colloquialisms to enhance reader resonance. In rendering Western religious and philosophical concepts, Fang preserves core symbols while adapting them to the target culture, striking a balance between cultural fidelity and communicative effectiveness. Additionally, the frequent use of four-character idioms and parallel structures significantly improves the text’s readability and cultural adaptability, distinguishing this version among multiple retranslations. Theoretically, this paper elaborates on the concept of translator’s subjectivity, emphasizing its role throughout the entire translation process—pre-translation preparation, in-process decision-making, and post-translation reflection. However, the translation also exhibits certain limitations, such as insufficient sensitivity to gender-neutral language and incomplete explication of some cultural metaphors. This research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of translator’s subjectivity in literary translation and provide insights for developing effective cross-cultural communication strategies.