The Chinese Translation of the term "radical feminism"

       Yenlin Ku

         In the early 20^th century the English word “radical” was translated to ”激進” in Chinese and the term has been widely used ever since. As a result, “radical feminism” was translated to ”激進女性主義” in the 1970s. However, when it came to the 1990s, Fu Da-wei, a male history professor in Taiwan, argued that the translation should be switched to ”基進女性主義” , because the root of the English word “radical” is “root”. ”基” (meaning “basic” and ”fundamental”) in Chinese implies that change should come from the bottom. Many academics quickly replaced ”激進” with ”基進”. However, fundamentalism connotes a sense of strict adherence to the literal interpretation of scripture. In that case, ”基進” is poles apart from the critical and revolutionary nature of ”激進”.

 

      Furthermore, “基進”, a newly coined term, is unfamiliar to the majority of Chinese readers. Some consider it a purely academic usage. On the other hand, “激進” is popular and easy to understand. With its radical(部首) “water”, “激” pictures the splash and turbulence when fast flowing water runs into obstruction. The image of splashing and turbulent water reminds me of the vigorous and passionate struggle of the young feminists in the 1970s. Besides, “激進” also means complete and progressive changes.

       A friend kindly reminds me that departing from the traditional Chinese attitude of taking the middle and moderate way, “激進” measures run the risk of inducing backlashes for being provocative. Strategically, it would be safer  to stick to “基進”, not causing splashes. Yet, considering the prices many radical feminists paid before us, I believe we have no reason to find sanctuary in a safer name.

 

     In the older edition of Feminisms(女性主義理論與流派), “基進” was used. After its publication, I chose to put the two terms together with a slash “激／基進” in my own writings. As the new edition of the book 女性主義理論與流變 is aimed to reach a larger audience, the original “激進” is restored. Say goodbye to “基進”.