Towards Constructing A Systematic Framework for the “Concept of Sublimity” in Complete Translation

The “Concept of Sublimity”, articulated by Qian Zhongshu in his seminal essay “Lin Shu’s Translations” in 1964, has been the subject of extensive investigation, interpretation, evaluation and application. Despite this attention, it is generally viewed as a spontaneous and fragmentary translation thought rather than a self-contained translation theory. This article aims to construct a systematic framework for the “Concept of Sublimity” by examining its sources, nature, principles, processes, and mechanisms. Adopting a holistic outlook and a cross-disciplinary perspective, and employing methods such as “expounding Qian in his own words,” “illustrating Qian’s words with his deeds,” textual exegesis, and the hermeneutic circle, the article seeks to advance Qian’s translation ideas, facilitate the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese translation theories, and promote comprehensive and systematic “Qian Studies”.