Network Construction of Translation and Dissemination Process of James Legge’s Shijing from Actor Network Theory Perspective

Jie Hu

doi:10.6918/IJOSSER.202506_8(6).0031

Authors

Jie Hu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6918/IJOSSER.202506_8(6).0031

Keywords:

Actor-Network Theory, James Legge, Shijing, Translation and Dissemination Process, Network Construction.

Abstract

This study employs the three core concepts “actor, network, and translation” of Actor-Network Theory, alongside the four phases of translation (problematization, interessement, enrollment, and mobilization) to investigate the key actors and their interconnections within James Legge’s translation and dissemination network of Shijing. The findings indicate that Legge, functioning through multiple identities, acted as both the initiator of the translation project and the principal agent in forming alliances among actors. While the translator’s subjectivity was dynamically exercised throughout the process, it operated under constraints imposed by other actors. Additionally, the research highlights the collaborative role of non-human actors alongside human participants in shaping the translation and dissemination dynamics of Legge’s versions. This analysis underscores the hybrid agency inherent in cross-cultural translation networks under ANT frameworks.

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