Impact of Book Translations from Chinese to Sinhala for Intercultural Communication: Special Reference to Sri Lanka

Chinese diplomacy has a huge role in shaping the Sino-Sri Lanka relationship. As a result of this relationship, the improvement of cultural exchanges between two nations has gradually increased. It is indisputable that book publication in a country is a field of getting more attention locally and internationally. The writers and publishers of translating books and literary work can build up intercultural communication through the dissemination of books. In order to examine the impact of book translations from Chinese to Sinhala for intercultural communication in Sri Lankan context, a mixed method was applied for this study by combining quantitative and qualitative methods such as literature review, observations, interviews, and questionnaires. The interviews were conducted for 45 minutes with each respondent of the selected owners of publishing institutes and translators. The random sampling was used to collect quantitative data from 200 respondents. The results revealed that the publications in the 1980s are no longer accessible despite information about their existence. A comprehensive list of these translations was not available from a single source. The 41% of respondents absorbed the Chinese language and culture by using Chinese-translated books, newspapers, magazines and the internet. Compared to the interest of other Chinese cultural elements, there is no significant difference in the percentage of the respondents who are interested in reading Chinese-translated books and other publications, which is about 8% of the respondents. Chinese-translated books and other publications in Sri Lanka can effectively provide individuals with the opportunity to experience diverse Chinese cultural elements. This study suggests that persisting in combining nationality with the world and strengthening the reading of overseas book genres and content recipients’ environment are the needs of the hour.