Articles

Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas), a cornerstone of Chinese literature renowned for its rich cultural imagery and fantastical mythological elements, has captivated Russian sinologists since the mid-20th century. The first complete Russian translation was published in 1977, with a revised edition following in 2004. Utilizing Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice, this article explores the key actors involved in the Russian translation of Shan Hai Jing — translator E.M. Yanshina, project initiator Professor L.D. Pozdneyeva, and the publishing houses responsible for its dissemination — and analyzes how their respective forms of capital and habitus collectively influenced the creation and circulation of the translated work. The study underscores that translation is a multifaceted endeavor embedded within broader social practices, where the dynamic interplay of individual capital, social habitus, and structural forces plays a pivotal and often underappreciated role.

There are some common features between human languages, since the forms of thinking of different peoples are similar. The commonality of languages is the basis for the translation of different national cultures. There are still differences in human thinking patterns that lead to difficulties or even errors in translation. Translation errors are reflected in language transformation, and the ontological reasons for such errors are based on cultural and cognitive differences. The presence of translation errors shows that speakers of different languages have different worldviews. The value of studying incorrect translation in the aspect of a philosophical approach lies in the fact that in translation errors we discover that different peoples have their own philosophy of attitude towards the world, and translation errors show differences in the relations between different peoples, individuals and the world as a whole.

This article examines the influence of Yu.K. Shchutsky’s identity as a scholar-translator on his Russian translation of the Book of Changes. Shchutsky’s education, professional experience, and cultural background shaped his unique identity as a scholar-translator. These factors enabled him not only to accurately render the original language but also to deeply interpret the philosophical and cultural dimensions of the text. The analysis is conducted from two perspectives: the preparatory stage of the translation and the translation process itself. Shchutsky’s personal spiritual motivation, the influence of anthroposophy, and his aspiration for dialogue between Chinese and Western cultures formed the foundation of his translation work. His application of a deep translation strategy and integration of his own academic research significantly enhanced the scholarly value of the translation. Shchutsky’s work not only provided Russian-speaking readers with access to the Chinese philosophy of the Book of Changes but also made a substantial contribution to cultural exchange between East and West. In this process, the translator’s subjectivity is particularly evident: it is manifested in the way Shchutsky interprets the source text, makes deliberate linguistic choices, and reconfigures cultural meanings in translation. This case highlights the importance of a translator’s identity in the translation process and its profound impact on the quality of the translated text.

Object: Th is study investigates the errors produced by neural network translation systems and explores how these errors can be leveraged to enhance translator training. It addresses the increasing role of machine translation in the translation landscape and the importance of equipping future translators with the skills to critically evaluate and effectively utilize these technologies. 

Methods: The research combines an overview of existing literature on machine translation errors and translator training methodologies with a practical analysis of machine translation outputs. A specific article (“Compressor training courses: a positive for over 10 years of continuing improvement”) is used as a case study. The study compares the pre-translation analysis and the translation of this article generated by different neural network translation platforms (ChatGPT, DeepL, Google Translate, Yandex Translate) with human analysis. The identified discrepancies and errors are then examined for their potential use in developing targeted training exercises. 

Findings: The analysis reveals that neural network translation systems still struggle with contextual understanding, nuanced language, and accurate rendering of specialized terminology, particularly in texts blending scientific, technical, and promotional elements. Th e systems oft en produce inaccurate pre-translation analyses, stylistic inconsistencies, word choice errors, and fail to capture the intended meaning and tone of the source text. However, the study demonstrates that these errors, when carefully analyzed, can serve as valuable learning material for translator trainees. By identifying and correcting these errors, students can develop critical thinking skills, improve their understanding of source and target language nuances, and hone their ability to make informed translation decisions. For example, neural networks oft en miss the appropriate register and fail to recognize industry specific terms, or even suggest the wrong language registers. 

Conclusion: The study concludes that while machine translation tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, they are not yet capable of replacing human translators. Instead, the future of the translation profession lies in the collaboration between human expertise and technological tools. By incorporating the analysis of machine translation errors into translator training programs, educators can equip students with the skills necessary to effectively utilize these tools, critically evaluate their output, and deliver high-quality translations that meet the demands of an increasingly globalized world. A balanced approach is advocated, emphasizing both the use of digital tools and the development of critical text comprehension skills, particularly in specialized domains.