Translation Policy and Literary/Cultural Changes in Early Modern Korea (1895-1921)

Theresa Hyun
Kyung Hee University, Seoul
Abstract

This article gives an overview of the relationship between the establishment of translation policy and literary/cultural shifts during the first two decades of the twentieth century in Korea. During the Kae Hwa ("Enlightenment") period, 1895-1910, translations were undertaken primarily for didactic purposes. Next followed a period when foreign texts were imported with the aim of developing modern Korean literature. The concept of "translational norms", as proposed by Toury, is used to explain the changing practices of individual translators as well as the general evolution of translation within the Korean literary system.

Table of contents

Early twentieth century Korean literature presents a case which is highly instructive for our understanding of how cultures interact through translation. Before beginning our examination of Korean translation policy and [ p. 192 ]other norms pertinent to this activity it will be helpful to have a brief overview of inter-cultural relations in Korea in the period preceding the modern one.

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