Translation studies, as a branch of philosophy and social sciences, is shifting from a single discipline to interdisciplinary and cross disciplinary fields. Since the reform and opening up, the Chinese translation research team has grown stronger and accumulated rich research results, especially in the knowledge archaeological exploration of Chinese translation history. Translation is closely related to the times and affects multiple fields such as politics, technology, religion, culture, diplomacy, and law. The study of translation history in the new era should delve into the relationship between translation and various historical periods, revealing their interactive influence and value. At present, the research methods and orientations of translation history are relatively single, lacking significant academic achievements, and there is insufficient knowledge intersection and integration between disciplines. Previous studies have focused on methodology and macro narratives, while case studies and micro narratives have not been detailed and systematic enough. Translation historians need to pursue a sense of history, expand the depth and breadth of their research, and engage in interdisciplinary communication and dialogue. The book "Inequality and Inequality: A Study of the Translation History of the Old Testament Chapters in Late Qing Dynasty at Home and Abroad" deeply explores the translation activities of unequal treaties and their relationship with the evolution of modern Sino foreign relations based on historical archives and unequal treaty texts in English and Chinese. It breaks through the boundaries of traditional translation research and provides a new perspective for the study of modern Chinese history. The primary task of translation history research is to return to the translation site, restore the appearance of translation in history, construct the historical context of translation activities, reveal their historical characteristics, fully understand the complexity of translation, and explore its special functions in various historical periods.

1、 Constructing the Historical Context of Translation Activities

Emphasis was placed on the importance of constructing the historical context of translation activities, pointing out that translation activities occur under specific temporal and spatial conditions, and their essence and role need to be fully understood within the historical context. By analyzing the historical and temporal background of unequal treaties, the role of translation in Sino foreign communication and power relations is revealed. Translation activities are influenced by the translator's personal temporal and spatial conditions, and there is a temporal and spatial gap between the translator and the translation object, leading to misunderstandings. Translators need to use "fusion of perspectives" to reduce this bias and more accurately reproduce the translation object. At the same time, translation activities are influenced by sponsors and organizational structures, and translators' preconceptions not only come from individuals, but also from external factors. In the translation of unequal treaties, intentional mistranslation and misinterpretation are common, reflecting the translator or sponsor's intention to widen or narrow the "visual gap" to achieve specific goals. Through in-depth analysis of key vocabulary in unequal treaties, we can gain a deeper understanding of how translators handle the "visual gap" and reveal the true nature of the foundation and power relations of modern Sino foreign exchanges.

2、 Grasp the historical characteristics of translation activities

Translation activities have the characteristic of crossing cultures and spaces, especially in the translation of unequal treaties. It manifests as a cross political activity driven and manipulated by different political entities to achieve specific political goals. Ninan Jana regards translation as a practice of constructing asymmetric power relations under colonial conditions, participating in the shaping process of colonial culture through discourse. Translation has shaped asymmetric power relations in the context of colonial history, serving as both a tool to strengthen colonization and a field for colonial countries to resist colonial power. The political nature of translation was particularly prominent in the anti imperialist and treaty breaking struggles in modern China, and the translation process was understood as a special form of violence that had the function of overthrowing the old system and constructing a new system. The translation of unequal treaties has solidified the asymmetry in translation and become a cause of diplomatic conflicts in modern international relations. In the negotiation of treaties between China and foreign countries, the political behavior attribute of translation is particularly evident. The Chinese side maintains the system through translation, reflecting the conflict between the imperial system and the modern international system. The task of a translator is not only to faithfully translate language and culture, but also to consider the issue of the translator's power. The study of translation history should focus on the historical characteristics of translation activities, viewing them as cross-cultural and cross political historical activities and events, and forming an important component of the research on the history of legal exchanges between China and foreign countries.

3、 Important Insights from the Study of Translation History

The study of translation history reveals the importance of translation in different historical periods, especially during the transition between old and new orders. The complexity of translation and its role in the process of thought, culture, and modernization are the key to research. Pym emphasized that the study of translation history should focus on translators, while current research often focuses on how Western knowledge influences China's modernization through translation. The book "Inequality and Inequality" provides important insights for the study of translation history, including: 1) focusing on major issues in modern Chinese history, such as the translation history of unequal treaties, and revealing the history of conflicts between China and foreign countries; 2) The study of translation history should return to the historical context, restore the complex appearance and diversity of translation, and regard translation as a part of historical events; 3) Starting from historical materials and utilizing various research methods, such as doctrinal jurisprudence and cultural history, to reveal the motives and influences behind translation issues. The book provides a new perspective and path for the study of translation history through in-depth exploration of archival materials and interdisciplinary methods, emphasizing the interactive relationship between translation history research and other disciplines, and promoting the development of interdisciplinary research.