Does Byline Order Shape Power Dynamics? — A Case Study of Howard Goldblatt’s Co-translations

Power dynamics in collaborative translation have increasingly drawn scholarly attention. Existing research frequently highlights the asymmetric nature of the partnerships, typically characterized by a dominant-subordinate dichotomy. However, the extent to which byline order correlates with the power differentials remains underexplored. Despite his extensive portfolio of collaborative works, Howard Goldblatt, a preeminent translator of contemporary Chinese literature, is often studied primarily through the lens of his individual translational style, obscuring the collaborative dynamics at play. This paper examines a selection of Goldblatt’s collaborative translations with Sylvia Li-chun Lin, alongside his solo translations, to investigate how different byline arrangements, namely, solo translator, first-named co-translator, and second-named co-translator, intersect with shifts in his translational agency, stylistic features, and ideological stance. The findings indicate that byline order is not merely a passive reflection of existing power structures, but rather an active factor that shapes the translator’s role and strategic choices during the translation process, revealing Goldblatt’s dynamic shift from a leading figure to a supporting collaborator. By integrating byline order into the methodological framework of translator studies, this research unpacks the nuanced mechanisms of power negotiation, underscoring the inherently fluid nature of collaborative partnerships.