The Art of Translating "Vibe": Our Methodology

Our Philosophy: Beyond Words

At CN-Poetry, we believe that translating Classical Chinese Poetry is not merely a linguistic transfer, but a spiritual resonance. Our goal is to capture the "Yi Jing" (意境) — the elusive aesthetic realm where the poet’s inner emotion meets the external world.

The Three Pillars of Our Process:
  • 1. Imagery Preservation (意象的重构): > We prioritize the "Visual Integrity" of the poem. Whether it is the "Cold Moon" (寒月) of a Tang fortress or the "Solitary Pine" (孤松) of a Zen retreat, we select English descriptors that evoke the same sensory textures found in the original ink-wash inspirations.

  • 2. Capturing the "Qi" (气韵的流动): > Traditional Chinese poetry is defined by its breath and rhythm. Our translations avoid rigid literalism in favor of a "Semantic Flow" that mirrors the internal logic and emotional arc of the poet, ensuring that the "Vibe" remains intact for a modern global audience.

  • 3. Cultural Contextualization: > We bridge the gap between East and West by mapping classical allusions (Dian Gu) to universal human sentiments. By blending academic rigor with poetic sensitivity, we ensure that the soul of Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Wei speaks clearly across centuries.

Our Goal: To make 5,000 years of Chinese wisdom searchable, feelable, and resonant.

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