Peritextual Research from the
Perspective of Transknowletology: A Case Study of the
English Translation of Hsing-ch’a Sheng-lan
Xiaoling Zhu¹*, Li Yao²
ABSTRACT
Based on the theory of Transknowletology, this
paper takes the English translation of Hsing-ch’a sheng-lan (a
classic maritime text of the Ming Dynasty) as the research object,
and systematically analyzes the unique value and operational
mechanism of peritextual elements—including the title, preface,
introduction, footnotes, and appendices—in promoting the
international dissemination of Chinese maritime knowledge. It is
found that the peritexts of this translation effectively construct
and disseminate knowledge through strategies such as establishing
academic authority, bridging cultural gaps, reconstructing
historical contexts, enhancing critical thinking, and systematically
integrating knowledge, which embodies the “truth, virtue, and
beauty” principles of Transknowletology. This paper not only expands
the theoretical perspective of translation studies but also provides
methodological insights for the practice of translating and
introducing Chinese classics to the global academic community.
Keywords: Cross-Cultural Interpretation, Dissemination of Maritime
Knowledge, Peritext, Transknowletology, Hsing-ch’a sheng-lan
