On the Pivotal Role of Cultural Translation in the Exchanges and Mutual Learning Between Civilizations

The article begins with a review of the four significant crowning points in the exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations, which were represented by extensive translation activities spanning over two thousand years in China. It reveals that the essence of exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations lies in maintaining cultural diversity, seeking harmony in diversity, promoting cross-cultural exchanges, and promoting dialogs as the bridge. It identifies two main approaches to exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, including: promoting two-way exchanges between the domestic and the foreign; and enhancing interaction between traditional values and modern values. Cultural translation is discussed as an effective means to realize the two approaches. Based on a review about Lin Yutang’s exemplary experience in cultural translation, it analyzes the features of three main types of practitioners in exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations: Chinese academics with expert knowledge about Chinese culture and civilization, foreigners who are conversant with Chinese culture and civilization, and overseas Chinese scholars who function as a bridge between Chinese and foreign cultures and civilizations.