한국 고전문학 학술서 영역(英譯)의 실제와 방향 -Understanding Korean Literature를 중심으로 = The Status and Future Direction of English Translation of Studies on Korean Classical Literature -Based on English Translation of Understanding Korean Literature

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

To globalize Korean classical literature, it is necessary to introduce its English translation and previous studies conducted on the works. The materials regarding Korean literature circulated in the global market should be systematically examined and improved as well. This study investigates English translation of Understanding Korean Literature and proposes ways to improve English translation of Korean classical literature in general. Understanding Korean Literature, which is an introduction to Korean literature, is one of the rare works translated in English and distributed in British and American societies through various channels. Moreover, it is a material of great value in that it is widely used as an introduction to Korean literature in Korea. This book was translated in English by an English native speaker, who studied Korean education, and therefore, represents a prototype of English translation of studies on Korean literature. It also helps to examine the status and future direction of English translation of Korean classical literature. Judging from the examination of English translation of Understanding Korean Literature, the source language is well translated into the target language in the book. The translation was done from readers` viewpoint so that the text can be approachable. In particular, it minimizes the chance of British and American readers feeling different/foreign and increases readability by reorganizing the text, realizing the details, using a modern style of language, and translating liberally. Despite the meticulous translation, however, various problems are present including simple errors, misreading of words and contexts, misunderstanding of the genre, issues of free translation, inconsistency in translation, and lack of correlation between the text and the quotation in translation. To correct and practically deal with such errors in English translation of studies on Korean literature, cooperation with Korean classical literature majors and a system which can additionally correct and improve the English translation should be established. In addition, academically, it is necessary to review the current status of English translation and make an effort to offer a new method of its improvements. In particular, studies on classical literature reflect the authors/researchers` view of literature and genre argument, and therefore, translating them requires sufficient literary communication with the authors. Finally, unlike translating individual works, works quoted in studies on classical literature should be translated literally, rather than liberally, to allow readers to determine the validity of the authors` interpretation and criticism. Such works should also be translated in connection with the text so that they could perform their function as quotations.