Eric R Stone is a Chinese-to-English translator with over a decade of experience. He specializes in Chinese literature, philosophy, history, culture, and politics – and, in general, Classical Chinese texts.
Classical Chinese (文言文) encompasses the written language that almost all of the classical texts throughout Chinese history have been written, including Taoist classics like the Tao Te Ching, the Chinese Buddhist sutras, the Annals of History, and even fiction and poetry.
Often, the term is used synonymously with "ancient" or "archaic Chinese" (古文), as such texts can be over 2500 years old. That said, while spoken Chinese has changed drastically over the millennia, the core of Classical Chinese has been intentionally preserved, and was even used into the 20th century.
Clients hire me to:
- Translate books on Chinese philosophy and spirituality (especially modern commentaries on ancient texts)
- Translate lectures on the Chinese Buddhist sutras (including translating the sutras themselves anew)
- Translate historical and political documents (ancient and modern)
- Translate literature and poetry (ancient and modern)
Clients tend to initially reach out by contacting me via the e-mail or contact form below. Feel free to send me the text you need translated directly over e-mail.
Once I have a good idea of the content and length of the text, origin of the document, purpose of the translation, and the audience it’s intended for, I can provide you with a quote.
Once I have received the full text you need translated, I will format it as a table in a Word document (or multiple) so that your text (the “source text”) occupies a column on the left and my translation (the “target text”) occupies the right.
Note: Don't worry if you don't use Microsoft Word. Google Documents and free software like WPS Office can open these files too.
Example:
Throughout the translation, I will use Word’s “Comments” feature to guide you through my process.
These comments may include explanations about my word choice and style; the historical context of certain words, phrases, or concepts; information I’ve uncovered in the course of researching the text or relevant documents; and so on.
Generally, these comments are just for your information; it is not necessary for you to reply to them unless you have questions or concerns.
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A Sino-Tibetan Buddhist work by Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche about how we can take advantage of alternating periods of happiness and suffering to further our spiritual practices and avoid the traps of contentment when things are going good and overwhelm when they're not going so good.
A complete translation of the Tao Te Ching and accompanying commentary by Master Mei, which uses Taoist concepts and poetic prose to teach aspirants from all walks of life how to gain freedom by following the ancient teachings of Lao Tzu.
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Master Mei’s guide to Chan Buddhist meditation; the stages we can expect to go through on the path of practice and cultivation; and how to subdue the mind and attain ultimate clarity.
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Yet another work by Master Mei which combines Buddhist concepts of emptiness, compassion, interdependent arising, and non-discrimination with Taoist concepts of energy and the Tao as the ultimate source of love.
Ready to reach out?
Fill out the form below, or e-mail your message and file to me at: ericrstone (at) pm (dot) me