由于《红楼梦》在时空和语言上与海外读者存在较大的“信息差”,因此在译介《红楼梦》的过程中,要对传统经典进行现代诠释,并完成时空和语言上的穿越,方能达到让外国人通过读《红楼梦》读懂和了解中国的目的,方能让中国文学和文化真正意义走出去。一味捧着纯粹意义上的“经典”不放,会容易产生“对牛弹琴”的译文。唯有带着明确的翻译目的、采用特定的翻译策略,对文本进行操控、改写、抵制、调停,用西方人喜闻乐见的方式讲西方人听得懂的中国故事,才有可能让这部经典作品不以“巨大的小说怪物”的面貌呈现在译文读者面前。中国文学和文化要走出去,不光要有热情,更要讲究策略。

Due to the “information gap” in time/space and language between the original readers and overseas readers, the translator needs to interpret Hongloumeng in a modern manner and to travel through time/space and language, so that overseas readers can be able to learn about and understand China via reading such classic books, so that the Chinese literature and culture can really “go out”. Strictly following the doctrine of being faithful to “classics” will only result in unwelcome and even unreadable translations. Only when the Chinese story is told in a manner that are comfortable and acceptable to the Westerners, with a clear translation purpose, with specific translation strategies like manipulating, rewriting, resisting and mediating, can this classic novel be presented to its readers as not a “giant monster”. Enthusiasm alone is not enough when Chinese literature and culture is going out. Strategies should be highlighted.