Abstract
This study delves into the translation history and profound influence of the renowned popular science book, 'One Two Three… Infinity,' within the Chinese context. Initially published in 1946, its introduction to China was delayed until 1978 due to the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), which impeded the development of the popular science publishing sector. The first Chinese translation, despite utilizing outdated terminology and censoring certain names for political, economic, and cultural reasons, achieved significant circulation and impact. It became an essential read for college students, especially those studying science, at the end of the 1970s, serving as an enlightening resource. In 2002, a new rendition by Science Press offered a fresh perspective, maintaining its status as a beloved science text. Subsequent translations in 2019 by Liu Xiaojun and Yue Xia, along with Zhang Butian, have surpassed the original 1978 translation in quality and engagement, with Zhang Butian's version exemplifying the unique allure of popular science literature. This paper assesses the evolving translation approaches and their implications for science education and popular science dissemination in China.
Keywords
One two three… infinity
English-Chinese translation
Popular science
References
[1]George Gamow. , (1961). One Two Three… Infinity. New York: The Viking Press.
Cite This Article
APA Style
Xiao, J., Dai, Y., & Shi, X. (2024). Analyzing the Translation and Impact of Popular Science Literature in China: A Case Study Approach. IECE Transactions on Computer Science, 1(1), 7–12. https://doi.org/10.62762/TCS.2024.39860
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