The Problems of Translation

Of all the difficulties of producing Shakespeare in China, the greatest are the differences in social etiquette, the language barrier, and the method of translation.

According to old Chinese etiquette, a man cannot touch the hand of a woman. If he should give anything to her, he must put it upon a table instead of handing it to her directly. In spite of many changes during the present century, the same basic principle still holds. Even husband and wife cannot walk hand in hand, or embrace, or kiss in public. Things like that are reserved only for the chamber. Otherwise they are considered as not only vulgar but indecent. That is why on the traditional Chinese stage Duncan cannot say to Lady Macbeth "Give me your hand". That is not courtesy, but seduction.

A compliment, especially a compliment to a lady, is better implied than expressed. We seldom say things like "You are beautiful", even when we are in love. A mere silent admiration is enough. If we should say to a girl things like "You are as beautiful as Helen", we might incur a double charge of hinting that her behaviour is as light as that of Helen and that her only virtue is her beauty. To say the least, she would wonder whether that is a suggestion of an elopement. The chief charm of a young lady is her virtue and not her beauty. Duncan's "Fair and noble hostess, We are your guest to-night" when literally translated would certainly mislead the audience.