(a) Chinese Translation of Buddhist Texts
The Chinese translation of Buddhist texts began around the 2nd century CE when Buddhism spread from India to China. Early translations were literal, but later scholars like Kumarajiva adopted a more interpretive approach to make texts easier to understand. These translations played a key role in shaping Chinese Buddhism and literature. Thousands of sutras and commentaries were translated from Sanskrit into Classical Chinese, often with the help of teams of monks and scholars. This process introduced not only new spiritual ideas but also enriched the Chinese language with philosophical and technical vocabulary.
(b) Canadian Tradition of Translation
The Canadian tradition of translation reflects the country’s bilingual identity, with English and French as official languages. Translation in Canada plays a crucial role in governance, education, literature, and media. Institutions like the Canadian Translation Bureau and literary prizes promote translation between both languages. Canadian translation also includes Indigenous languages, recognizing the country’s multicultural heritage. Notable translators and writers contribute to a vibrant literary translation scene. The tradition emphasizes cultural equality and diversity, making translation a key part of Canadian identity and communication.