Background

I am a PhD candidate in Translating and Interpreting at Newcastle University, where I am working on the translation of sexually explicit language in popular fictions from English into Chinese, under the co-supervision of Dr Pauline Henry-Tierney and Dr Ya-Yun Chen. 

Education

MA in Translation and Interpreting Studies, University of Manchester

BA Hons in Linguistics and Sociology, University of Manchester

Exploring Patterns in Translating Sexually Explicit Language in Popular Fictions from English into Chinese

My PhD project adopts a data-driven approach to explore the translation of sexually explicit language in popular fictions from English into Chinese. Focusing on bestselling fictions in mainland China that are translated from English, I compile a list of 39 fiction novels published between 2008 and 2017 for analysis, with the aim of identifying the translation strategies employed to deal with explicit sexual references. In addition to the textual analysis, my study also attempts to understand why certain translation strategies are prevalent by carrying out in-depth qualitative interviews with translators and editors. Combining micro-level textual analysis with macro-level analysis of the socio-cultural contexts, the comprehensive approach of this study uncovers how sexually explicit language is translated, as well as how the translation of sex is shaped by different sources of power (state-imposed and self-inflicted) and power dynamics.

My research interests include sexual language and translation, ideology and manipulation, censorship, and literary translation.

Publications:

Cao, X. (2021). Power dynamics in the translation of sexually explicit language in China. The Translator, DOI: 10.1080/13556509.2021.1902059

CHN7003 Translating 1

SML7000 Information Technology for Translators and Interpreters

CHN8031 Specialised Translation

CHN8035 Subtitle and Video Game Translation

• Cao X. Power dynamics in the translation of sexually explicit language in China. The Translator 2021, epub ahead of print.