COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TRANSLATIONS OF CONFUCIAN THOUGHT IN THE CONTEXT OF “WORLD COGNITION”

Abstract

The article presents a comparative analysis of Russian-language translations of Confucian thought presented in the book “Lun Yu”. The main focus is on identifying factors that distort or enrich the transmission of philosophical content during the transition from Chinese to Russian linguistic culture. The peculiarities of the impact of cultural differences of specialists on the adequacy of translation of such fundamental and multifaceted categories as “ren” (humanity, humanity), “li” (ritual, decency) and “te” (virtue, grace) are characterized. The author examines in detail how the absence of direct cultural and linguistic equivalents in the Russian language, due to differences in the etymological roots of concepts and structural features of the language, generates variability in interpretations and inevitable semantic losses or shifts of emphasis. In parallel, the influence of a subjective factor is being investigated, namely differences in individual perception and interpretation of texts by the translator. The article analyzes the dependence of the quality of translation on the level of professional training and experience of a specialist, the depth of his understanding of specific cultural images, contexts and historical background of Confucian canons, as well as on the degree of personal understanding of the source material. The role of the translator in the critical selection of authentic interpretations (the choice of commentary versions) and the need to strictly avoid inappropriate or vulgar expressions that can distort the sublime ethical essence of the teaching is emphasized. The conclusion is drawn that an adequate translation of Confucian thought into Russian requires not only philological accuracy, but also deep cultural insight, awareness of the extent of acceptable personal interpretation and careful selection of linguistic means corresponding to the high ethical pathos of the original. The success of such complex analytical work largely depends on the application of an integrated approach that considers both objective linguistic and cultural barriers and subjective aspects of translation activities.