A Study of Chen Lanbin’s Translation Patronage Behavior on the Chinese Translation of the US Federal Constitution

Chen Lanbin is China’s first ambassador to the United States, honest and upright, using evidences safeguard human rights of Chinese workers in Americas, actively negotiating Denver anti-Chinese incident. As a subordinate Lanbin, Cai Xiyong chose translate US Federal Constitution, which was due not only his personal interest but also influence as patron. Based on Lefevere’s “patronage” theory, reasons why there existed linguistic deviations deformations between Cai’s translation original text did catch people’s enough attention modern China history, are examined from three aspects patronage: ideological, economic status factors. On ideological factor, Both adhered concept “Chinese learning substance, western for application”; appreciated by leader patron got salary Qing Dynasty government; recognized became an official through Westernization Movement. Influenced purpose translating federal Constitution handle incident, reform political legal system, transform superstructure overthrow feudal rule government.