Translation and political climate: an analysis of the translation of Brazilian writer Jorge Amado’s works in China

Abstract

Based on China translation history (since 1949), concerning the works of Jorge Amado, a Brazilian writer, this article is intended not only to analyze the background in which the writer and his works were introduced into China, but also to discuss the ties and relationship between translation and power. The translation of Jorge Amado’s works can be mainly divided into three important periods: the 1950s, the 1980s and the 2010s, mainly showing the manipulation of power over translation. This manipulation presents itself in different forms at different historical periods, therefore producing different translation situations. At the same time, translation also has an impact on power, and in general, under the manipulation of power, translation serves power.