THE RECEPTION OF THE 20TH- CENTURY- GERMAN NOVELS IN VIETNAM BEFORE 1986 THROUGH A STUDY ON TRANSLATION, RESEARCH AND CRITICISM

Abstract

Literature research based on the theory of reception has been a potential research trend. In foreign countries, some researchers have applied the theory of literary reception to study the reception of Franz Kafka, Thomas Mann, Guenter Grass novels. In Vietnam, there is no research concerning the reception of the 20th- century- German novels. Through surveying and analyzing translations, introduction, research and criticism documentary relating to the 20th- century- German novels, this paper focuses on the characteristics of the reception of the 20th- century- German novels before 1986 through two aspects including translation and research, criticism. As a result, before 1986, some 20th- century- German novels were translated into Vietnamese and published in Vietnam such as the works of Thomas Mann, Herman Hesse, Erich Maria Remarque, Heinrich Boell. Most of translators translated the novels based on the other language versions, rather than the German version. Not many research on the 20th- century- German novels were conducted in the period of before 1986. From the viewpoint of psychoanalysis, existentialism or politics, class struggle, some research statements and analysis were extreme. In general, the researchers have pointed out the position and crucial role of Franz Kafka, Thomas Mann in German literature and world literature.