《孙子兵法》中“势”的英译策略研究：基于语境分析的多元诠释路径

A Study on the English Translation Strategies of “Shi” in The Art of War: Multiple Interpretive Approaches Based on Contextual Analysis

摘要: 《孙子兵法》的英译史已逾百年，相关研究亦十分丰富，但学界多聚焦于宏观译本对比或应用性研究，对于“势”这类构成中国古典兵学思想基石的专有概念的译介研究却相当匮乏。本文在系统梳理国内外研究现状与“势”的哲学内涵的基础上，通过对比格里菲斯、林戊荪与索耶尔等学者的权威译本中的关键译例，研究“势”的翻译策略。研究结果表明，最有效的翻译策略应该是语境驱动的、动态的，需在精准把握原文具体所指的基础上，选择最能传达该特定含义的表达，必要时辅以注释说明。格里菲斯译本在传达物理动能与客观规律时较为精准，林戊荪译本在表现动态态势与可操作性上更准确，而索耶尔的厚翻译策略则致力于在异语中构建完整的概念体系。本研究不仅为《孙子兵法》核心概念的英译提供了具体的分析案例与策略参考，也对中国古代哲学概念的外译方法论提供了反思与启示，强调了深度诠释与翻译目的在跨文化传播中的核心重要性。

Abstract: The English translation history of The Art of War spans over a century, and related research is abundant. However, academic focus has predominantly been on macro-level translation comparisons or applied studies, with specialized research on the translation of foundational concepts like “Shi” remaining scarce. Based on a systematic review of current research and the philosophical connotations of “Shi”, this paper analyzes key examples from authoritative translations by Griffith, Lin Wusun, and Sawyer to investigate translation strategies for “Shi”. The findings indicate that the most effective translation strategy must be context-driven and dynamic. It requires accurately grasping the specific meaning in the original text and selecting the expression that best conveys that particular meaning, supplemented by explanatory notes when necessary. The Griffith version is more precise in conveying kinetic energy and objective laws, while Lin Wusun’s translation excels in portraying dynamic states and operability, whereas Sawyer’s thick translation strategy strives to construct a complete conceptual framework in a foreign language. This study not only provides specific case analyses and strategic references for translating core concepts in The Art of War but also offers reflections on the methodology of translating ancient Chinese philosophical concepts. It highlights the central importance of in-depth interpretation and translational purpose in cross-cultural communication.