Introduction

This chapter discusses the from different perspectives, offering the reader an understanding of and explanation for the labyrinth of literary translation in the context of China and the West. A word of explanation seems in order with respect to the definition of Chinese literature discussed in the context of this edited volume. It is broadened to refer to literature written in Chinese, including Chinese texts written in Hong Kong and Singapore, as represented in this collection, as well as in other parts of the world. A close reading of the text reveals that the new language deliberately created by Chan Koon Chung is less salient in the translated version because it does reflect the unique cultural context of the “in-between” in Hong Kong. Big translation contributes to the construction of collective cultural memory, promoted by various forms of lingual-semiotic translation such as words, texts, images, paintings, music, dances, and even inscriptions.