Exploring translators’ visibility via peritexts in the English (re)translations of Xi You Ji

Background and Purpose: Research on translators’ visibility traditionally focuses on the analysis of the main text, with very little attention paid to the analysis of paratext. As the threshold of a book, paratext is a common venue for translators to enhance their visibility. This study first aims to identify whether the translators’ work is acknowledged in the peritexts of the English translations of a Chinese classic Xi You Ji, and subsequently to explore the level of translators’ visibility in the peritexts, and to determine how translators’ visibility might affect the readers’ reading experience. Methodology: This study employed a qualitative research design. Nine English (re)translations of Xi You Ji were meticulously chosen and categorized guided by the method of screening and labeling adopted by Badić (2020). Case study was utilized to examine the peritexts of the selected editions collected from university libraries, second-hand book dealers and Amazon. Through the in-depth description and analysis of the data, the presence or absence of the translators in the peritexts were identified and effects determined. Findings: The study revealed that while the translators’ contributions are duly acknowledged, their contributions require reformulation in some editions. The translators’ presence in the paratextual space is highlighted through their discussion of their translating approaches and comments on the previous renderings. The prefaces might affect the reading expectation of the prospective readership through the provision of crucial information. Contributions: This study provides a new paradigm for further research on translators’ visibility and hopes to contribute to a better understanding of how paratexts can help facilitate the overseas spread of Chinese literature.  Keywords: Xi You Ji, Journey to the West, retranslation, visibility, paratext, peritext.