introduction

This article introduces the concept of "subtext" proposed by Gerald Genette, emphasizing its coordinating role between the text and the reader, as well as a new perspective in translation studies. There are various types of auxiliary texts, such as prefaces, annotations, etc., which reflect the translator's subjectivity and affect readers' reading and acceptance of the work. Lei Wei'an's French translation of "The Plum in the Golden Vase" uses rich auxiliary texts to demonstrate his translation ideas and strategies. There is still a lack of research on the use of auxiliary texts in the French translation of "The Plum in the Golden Vase" in China. This article aims to sort out and analyze Lei Wei'an's use of auxiliary texts, in order to expand the perspective of translation research and provide a new perspective for the translation of Chinese literature into foreign languages.

1、 The Supplementary Text in the French Translation of 'The Plum in the Golden Vase'

Lei Wei'an chose the Ming Dynasty Wanli edition as the original text when translating "The Plum in the Golden Vase" to showcase the rhetorical features and cultural imagery of the original work. At the same time, he used auxiliary texts for in-depth translation to enhance the readability and academic value of the translation. The preface section is 35 pages long, providing a detailed introduction to the translation process, translation strategies, translation of novel titles, translation principles, etc. for different languages. It also provides an in-depth analysis of the innovations, author hypotheses, novel themes, and version issues of "The Plum in the Golden Vase". The French translation includes 200 woodcut embroidered illustrations from the Ming Chongzhen edition, which form an intertextual relationship with the text and enhance readers' reading experience. Lei Wei'an added explanatory text to the illustrations, using translation methods such as literal translation, interpretation, and substitution to make the translation concise and easy to understand. The French translation retains the chapter by chapter structure of the Wanli edition and adds titles to each volume, while providing supplementary texts such as a list of characters, a list of family businesses, and a brief chronicle to help readers understand the novel's context and character relationships. The annotation section consists of 4071 articles, providing detailed explanations of the social reality, cultural phenomena, translation strategies, etc. in the novel, reflecting respect for the source language culture and lowering the threshold for readers' understanding. Lei Wei'an's annotations reflect his humble and candid research attitude, aimed at helping readers better understand the text.

2、 The Multiple Functions of Annotations in the French Translation of 'The Plum in the Golden Vase'

An in-depth analysis was conducted on the multiple functions of annotations in Lei Wei'an's French translation of "The Plum in the Golden Vase", highlighting the importance of auxiliary texts in cross-cultural literary dissemination. Annotations not only enrich the cultural tension and information elasticity of the translation, but also provide translators with a broad space for interpretation, helping French readers establish respect and understanding for other cultures. Lei Wei'an pays attention to the fidelity of the original work and the service to readers in the translation process, reflecting his profound understanding of the original work and the source language culture.

conclusion

Lei Wei'an's dual cultural background and multiple identities have influenced his translation practice. In the French translation of "The Plum in the Golden Vase," he effectively utilized the auxiliary text for cultural adjustment, reconstructed the cultural context, prolonged the acceptance process, improved the acceptance effect, protected the heterogeneous cultural capital of the original work, reflected his translation philosophy, and combined translation practice with sinology research to enrich the multidimensionality and potential value of the translation.