The Translation and Publication of Chinese Science Fiction in Germany: A Case Study of Kapsel Based on Field, Patronage, and Actor-Network Theories

The translation and publication of Chinese science fiction in Germany have garnered increasing academic attention in recent years. Focusing on the independent publishing collective Kapsel as a primary case study, this article investigates the pathways through which Chinese science fiction is introduced and analyzes the operational mechanisms anchored in its publishing practices. By synthesizing Latour’s Actor-Network Theory, Lefevere’s theory of patronage, and Bourdieu’s theory of the literary field, this study systematically conducts an empirical examination of the magazine’s development, categorizing its evolution into three distinct phases. The empirical data is derived from in-depth interviews with publisher Lukas Dubro, complemented by textual materials from core team members, including Shen Chong. Based on these theoretical frameworks and data, the article elucidates the team's strategic considerations regarding text selection and translation, while further exploring practical aspects such as the optimization of publication processes, product diversification, and event organization. In doing so, it underscores the substantive contributions made by this independent editorial board to the cross-cultural dissemination of Chinese science fiction in Germany.