Abstract:

This paper focuses on explaining what comparative literature mechanism is and the insufficiencies in the current teaching mode of literature translation courses. It also argues for the necessity of introducing comparative literature mechanism in the courses and how to do it in a proper manner.
The attribute of cross-culture is an inherent trait of literature translation that cannot be ignored. It requires the students to have decent literary proficiency, translating ability, and intercultural competence, if the literature translation needs to be completed successfully. It should be noted that intercultural competence does not equal to intercultural communication. It consists of ability of cultural comparison and communication at the level of intercultural communication, and the ability of intercultural transmission.

Literature translation, in essence, is an intercultural activity based on language conversion and art representation. In the process it includes communication and transmission in different cultures, so it plays an important role in upgrading students’ intercultural communication ability. Therefore, the course of literary translation has its significance and necessity.

Teaching literature translation will no longer be focusing on grammar, learning and training on syntax, instead, to represent the historical and cultural context and aesthetic in the course of translation will be valued more. However, it is a general opinion among students that literature translation is difficult and the course does not benefit them much. Mainly, for a start, it is because the most used teaching method in literature translation courses is analysis and synthesis, which lacks variation and the teaching mode is solidified. Second, due to weak language ability, the results are not as good in general, which leads to lethargic class atmosphere. From a teacher’s perspective, students are uninterested and unwilling to interact, and it is worse off-class. Therefore, literature translation courses need to be changed fundamentally.

Comparative literature is a cross-cultural study of various literary relations, applying with the perspective of world literature and a comparative approach. To introduce comparative literature mechanism in literature translation courses, teachers must be taking the charge, polishing and modifying the past teaching method. In order to help them grasp the method of comparative literature, the awareness of comparative literature needs to be introduced, so that students can establish a cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary perspective and vision.

Keywords:

Literary Translation Course, Course Reform, Literary Translation Course Reform, Comparative literature mechanism, Literary translation.