Exploring the Effect of ChatGPT on the Translation of Poetry in Literary Works: A Case Study of the David Hawkes Translation of A Dream of Red Mansions

Abstract

This study delves into the impact of ChatGPT on poetry translation, with a special focus on David Hawkes’ rendition of A Dream of Red Mansions. It meticulously scrutinizes three pivotal aspects, as put forward by Yan Fu in his work On Evolution: fidelity with precision, smoothness, clarity, and the fusion of form and essence. A comparative analysis between Hawkes’ translation and ChatGPT’s output elucidates notable disparities in faithfulness, expressiveness, and elegance. While Hawkes’s outcome adeptly showcases a nuanced grasp of the original text’s mood and imagery, ChatGPT’s version falls short in depth and poetic eloquence. Additionally, this research not only endeavors to shed light on the intricate interplays between conventional translation methodologies and technology that transforms by leaps and bounds, uncovering practical implications for translators and researchers, but also serves to explain both the challenges and potentials presented by AI in poetry translation, underscoring the indispensable role of human ingenuity and cultural understanding in attaining elegant and expressive translations. Furthermore, it highlights the ongoing relevance of preserving the literary essence, conveying the intended meaning accurately, and acknowledging the necessity for innovation and adaptation in the translation process. By rigorously examining these aspects, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the intersection of technology and literary translation, which inspires further inquiry and debate within the scholarly community, paving the way for the ever-evolving progress of translation studies.