By tf-lawyer.com On October 25, during the launch of new books in the Jin Yong Translation Series in his hometown of Jiaxing, Zhejiang, Lee Yijian, Jin Yong’s former secretary and the series’ chief editor, remarked, “Jin Yong’s fifteen works of martial arts fiction are just the tip of the iceberg. Throughout his life, he was dedicated to his craft, producing a wealth of excellent works in film scripts, literary criticism, and translation.”
The event saw the release of “Jin Yong Translation: Selections of Damon Runyon’s Short Stories” and “Jin Yong Translation: Lectures on Happy Marriage.” Notably, this marks the first publication of Jin Yong’s literary translations in mainland China, aimed at highlighting his contributions to cultural exchange between China and the West and showcasing his “other pen” in the realm of translation.
According to Lee Yijian, “Wherever there are Chinese people, Jin Yong is read; however, the world knows only half of his talent.” This legendary martial arts master is deeply intertwined with the art of translation.
Between 1946 and 1949, Jin Yong published numerous translations in Zhejiang’s Hangzhou through local publications such as the “Southeast Daily” and the “Shiyu Tide” semi-monthly, as well as Hong Kong’s “Ta Kung Pao.” It is estimated that he translated over 100 pieces, covering timely news reports, essays on international issues, and long-form journalistic accounts, eventually expanding into film theory, dance arts, and novels.
Zhang Jing, a renowned Hong Kong translator and the English translator for Jin Yong’s “Condor Trilogy,” believes that the two works released that day are deeply connected to Jin Yong’s literary career. “Damon Runyon’s short stories and André Maurois’ ‘Lectures on Happy Marriage’ center around people and interpersonal relationships, using dialogue and interaction to express emotions, create drama, and reflect the joys and sorrows of human experience, which is also the spiritual core of Jin Yong’s martial arts novels,” Zhang explained.
During the event, Lee Yijian reminisced about his time working with Jin Yong, stating, “Between 1963 and 1968, Jin Yong wrote four to five articles daily, always maintaining a rigorous approach to his writing.”
He emphasized that Jin Yong didn’t translate merely for the sake of translating. Instead, he absorbed the rich nutrients of Western culture through his translations, merging them with the profound and expansive traditions of Eastern culture, offering a vibrant source for his novel creations.
Remarkably, the book launch took place at Jin Yong’s alma mater, Jiaxing No. 1 High School. Between 1992 and 2008, Jin Yong returned to his hometown six times, three of which included visits to this school, engaging with students and faculty as a “big brother.” The release of these two translation works at his alma mater symbolizes his return once more.
“These two new translations provide an excellent sample for a multidimensional understanding of Jin Yong’s cultural contributions, reminding us that this literary giant was also a translator—a master of martial arts fiction and a reader and interpreter of world literature,” remarked Qiu Huadong, a member of the Chinese Writers Association’s leadership team.
