Abstract:

Chinese mythology, as a vital cultural gene, has exerted profound influence on the formative process of Chinese civilization. While Chinese myth studies constitutes a vibrant and evolving academic field, research on its translation remains at its preliminary stage. This study, employing primarily qualitative methods, critically examines the current state of Chinese myth translation research, and identifies its key limitations. Building upon this analysis, it proposes and originally argues for the “Concept of General Chinese Myth Translation”. Grounded in indigenous Chinese mythological scholarship, this Concept draws upon the foundational idea of “General Chinese Myth” as its conceptual bedrock, while referring to the inherent logic that underpins the latter’s landmark impact on the development of Chinese myth studies. Within this framework, the paper defines the scope of textual objects for “General Chinese Myth Translation Studies”, discusses its holistic research transformation, and offers basic research dimensions to promote the systematization of the field as a whole.

Key words: Chinese myth translation, General Chinese Myth, scope of textual objects, holistic research transformation, systematization