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Article published In:
FORUM
Vol. 22:1 (2024) ► pp.96–117

Networking in online collaborative translation

An ANT perspective of translating Horizon, Bright Moon, Sabre on Wuxiaworld

| University of Macau
| Shanghai International Studies University

Translation practice on the internet has produced a new mode of translation activity that has significantly changed the traditional understanding of translation, especially the relationship between different agents. Drawing on Latour’s Actor-Network Theory (ANT), this study attempts to explore the networking procedure of the translation activity on the website Wuxia­world of the Chinese martial arts novel Horizon, Bright Moon, Sabre, examining the dynamics of the formation and function of the network and the roles played by the actors involved. It focuses on the four aspects delineated by ANT: the confirmation of the scenario, the problematization of content, the enrollment of actors, and the completion of the network. The findings suggest that the translation practice on Wuxia­world establishes a well-constructed, not a random and unorganized, network, which attracts loyal fan-readers, enrolls qualified translators, maintains a well-functioning network, and presents a dynamic structure of immediate interactivity. All these lead to a new and reshaped translator-reader relationship of instant interaction.

Keywords: actor-network theory, online collaborative translation, instant interaction, Wuxia­world, Horizon , Bright Moon , Sabre
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Actor-network theory and its construction procedure
  • 3.Spcnet Forum and Wuxiaworld Website
  • 4.Translation and dissemination of Horizon, Bright Moon, Sabre
    • 4.1Scenario confirmation: Facilitating immediate interactivity among fans
    • 4.2Problematization: Positioning to introduce Chinese culture
    • 4.3Enrollment: Ensuring reader-centered status
      • 4.3.1Measures to enroll translators
      • 4.3.2Reader-centered behavior control
    • 4.4Completion: Establishing a reader-active, transparent and dynamic actor-network
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Postscript
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 25 April 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/forum.00037.xu
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