Translation Theory And Practice

Summary

This paper aims at studying the factors that affecting the gap between translation theory and practice. Only by studying (the focus of this paper), analyzing and evaluating those factors will be possible controlling the gap between practical and theoretical translation. Translation has been playing an indispensable role in transferring messages across languages despite cultural barriers. The importance of precise translation relies behind melting the barriers among civilizations to show the faces of both similarities and differences. Additionally, translation helps in developing cross-cultural integrative skills. This gorgeous role of translation encouraged many researchers to develop various theories. However, there is always a gap

The author introduces the Holmes`smapas a seminal concept of the translation studies, and proves the field as a distinct discipline (Holmes 2000). However, he points out some research areas that are not included in that map and includes new perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches to the field. The developments of the field since the 1970s are traced. For the purpose of this paper the chapter is a great addition. The chapter shows how the field of translation studies is new but the practice of translating is long established and how translation was considered earlier as just a language-learning activity. It handles with some details the case of the persisting gap between translation theory and practice. It explores six of the translation theories, which is valuable to the area of this research. The book has strong bibliography and enjoys a well-constructed structure. It is a credible source with deeply researched

Chapters 1-4 shed light on the aspects of translation process. Chapters 5-9 integrate the theoretical approaches to translation. Chapter 10 illustrates the conclusion. For this paper, the book as a whole is valuable especially chapter 1, 3, 4 and 5. In chapter 1, Robinson introduces the clients’ needs in terms of reliability, rapidly and cheaply. On the other hand, he explores the concerns of translators like how they translate faster want to increase their income. This conflict between the required and practiced uncovers various factors that may widen the gap between translation as a theory and practice. Chapters 3 and 4 identify theoretical principles. They reveal the two very different mental states of the translators when translating, first, the translator isn’t even thinking; second, s/he performs pragmatic, cultural and linguistic analysis. It emphasizes on the factor of experience and background on the outcome of translation. Chapter 5 explores what people do with language, and the link between contexts and meanings. This discussion shows that who wrote the text, for what reason and for whom, are all factors that contribute to the split between the theoretical and practical of