From Myth to Meaning: A Thick Translation Perspective on the Xuánniǎo Motif in Guizhou Batik

Abstract

A persistent challenge in the translation of intangible cultural heritage involves conveying symbolic meanings and deep cultural connotations without eroding their inherent mythical or ritual significance. This study examines the Xuánniǎo (Xuan bird) motif in Guizhou batik—a symbol central to mythical origins and ethnic identity—to propose a nuanced translation framework for culturally dense iconography. Drawing upon Geertz’s (1973) framework of thick description and Appiah’s (1993) concept of thick translation, it aims to investigate the diachronic representation of Xuánniǎo across mythical, symbolic, and ritual dimensions, examine the evolution of its English translations in various periods and publication types, and propose a thick translation model designed for the preservation and transfer of complex cultural symbols. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the study analyses a corpus of 70 English translations of Xuánniǎo spanning from 1871 to 2025. The findings demonstrate how the Xuánniǎo transitioned from a mythical agent of ancestral birth to a central cultural symbol, ultimately finding its modern artistic expression as a primary motif in the ethnic ritual crafts of Guizhou. The findings also point to a shift in the translation of Xuánniǎo, moving from conventional literal and free translation strategies toward a transliteration-led approach. This evolution reflects a growing scholarly emphasis on cultural fidelity and conceptual accuracy. Building on these trends, this paper introduces the 3R Model (Retain, Reveal, and Recontextualise). This framework seeks to harmonise semantic precision with cultural integrity, positioning translation as a vital intellectual and cultural instrument for the global dissemination of intangible cultural heritage.