An External Perspective on China: Interview with Professor Eric Reinders

Professor Eric Reinders elaborates on his view of classical literature and literary translation by combining theological investigation and practical research based on his philosophical background and experience of translation and religious study. Professor Reinders believes literary theory should be properly utilized as an instrument to facilitate academic study, not as the boundary for limitation. He also suggests that the definition of literature is an open topic, which lies within the sphere of literature but simultaneously overlaps and contradicts with many other domains. The indispensable element for classical literature is not the test of time but the revelation of universal human power. In that case, translated works of Chinese literature should possess the capacity of regeneration in the transplantation of language. He articulates that reverse translation as the basic empirical method will represent the process of this transplantation between cultures.