A Stylistic Guide for Literary Translators

This powerful companion to To Wake, To Speak: The May Fourth Imagination stands on its own as a practical and thought-provoking guide for translators, writers, and anyone drawn to the intersection of language and change.
 
Featuring close readings of passages by Lu Xun, Ye Shengtao, and Ba Jin — alongside contemporary voices like James Baldwin, Rebecca Solnit, and Ta-Nehisi Coates — this ebook explores what it means to translate not just meaning, but movement.
 
You’ll find:
 
Detailed comparisons of multiple translation approaches
Analysis of tone, rhythm, and metaphor in politically charged writing
Reflections on translation ethics, cultural specificity, and resonance across time
A special chapter on "Woke vs. Awakened" — exploring how today’s readers may misread reform-era texts
Bonus exercises to stretch your skills and sharpen your ear
 
Originally released as a companion to our To Wake, To Speak program, this standalone version is ideal for readers who want a deep dive into voice, style, and the translator’s role in moments of cultural shift.
 
🖋️ If you’ve ever asked, How do I carry a voice across languages without losing its power? — this book is for you.