Chinese Translations of Third-Person Pronouns for Talking and Non-talking Animals in Charlotte’s Web

The article investigates how translators deal with third-person pronouns for non-human animals in eight Chinese translations of American animal story Charlotte’s Web, by E. B. White (1952). In the source text, the personal pronouns he and she are used for most animals, while neuter pronouns are applied to others. This reflects the author’s differentiated view of (non)-talking animals, his distinction between reality and fantasy, and the characters’ changing attitude towards animals. Four translations largely adhere to the source text’s pronominal use. However, the use of neuter pronouns in two versions and personal pronouns in another for all animals obscures the author’s hierarchical view of animals and the central theme of not eating talking animals. Neuter pronouns also conceal the animals’ genders from readers. The analysis of these translations provides insight into how translated anthropomorphic stories appeal to ethical concerns regarding animal treatment. Pronoun choice serves as a focal point for ethical deliberations concerning human-animal relations and ethical stances on eating animal meat. This article highlights the importance of careful consideration when translating pronouns for talking animals, as pronouns can shape child readers’ perception of animals and their treatment.