Translating and reframing of the narratives of “Fó” (佛) in Journey to the West: a case study on Lovell’s translation

Abstract

Abstract This study examines British sinologist Julia Lovell’s abridged English translation of Journey to the West , focusing on how narratives of “佛” ( Fó , Buddhas) are translated and reframed through socio-narrative theory. It argues that Lovell’s translation substantially dilutes Buddha-related narrativity through extensive omissions and selective reframing, largely as a result of narrative efficiency, cultural filtering, and target-reader accessibility. The analysis identifies Lovell’s translation strategies, including semantic equivalence, pragmatic equivalence, and omission, as well as her narrative reframing tactics, including selective appropriation, labelling, and repositioning participants. Findings show that 67.44% of Buddha-related references are omitted. The translation foregrounds Buddhas as Buddhist institutional authorities and possessors of boundless magical power, while downplaying their ritual-devotional and pedagogical dimensions. Through these reframing techniques, Lovell’s abridged translation reshapes Buddhas’ narrative images and dilutes Buddhist conceptual narratives, including karmic logic and salvation. This reflects Lovell’s negotiation between cultural fidelity and target-reader accessibility, highlighting the challenges of translating religious-cultural narratives and the role of creative adaptation in cross-cultural communication.