News translation, the Korean Other and the construction of Chinese national identity: the case of Ltaaa.com. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chase, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Media international Australia. Number 173(2019)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 157
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Chinese identity -- Chinese nationalism -- cyber-nationalism -- Ltaaa.com -- news translation -- Sino-centrism -- Sino-Korean relations; Mass media -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Australia -- Periodicals; Communication -- Australia -- Periodicals; Australia -- Cultural policy -- Periodicals; Médias -- Aspect social -- Périodiques; Médias -- Australie -- Périodiques; Communication -- Australie -- Périodiques; Massamedia; Communication; Cultural policy; Mass media; Mass media -- Social aspects; Australia; Periodicals; 302.23
• DOI: 10.1177/1329878X19873982
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1324-5325

Abstract

This article examines an underexplored area of communication studies to date, the relationship between news translation and national identity construction in China. By analysing the translation into Chinese of Korean language news that takes place on the Chinese volunteer news translation website Ltaaa.com, this article shows how the translation of news reports, and the discussions which these translations engender within the Ltaaa.com community, help to foster an aggressive form of Chinese national identity among community members. By constantly emphasising difference and promoting hostility, through attempts to control historical discussion and by asserting a superordinate status and position for China in its relations with Korea, the translation activities that take place within the Ltaaa.com community encourage the growth of a xenophobic, belligerent and condescending nationalism that is likely to hinder the development of more productive Sino-South Korean ties.