Equivalence Revisited: A Key Concept in Modern Translation Theory
نویسنده
چکیده
This paper attempts to discuss the importance, relevance and validity of the concept of equivalence as a constitutive notion in translation theory. Equivalence is defined as a relation that holds between a Source Langue (SL) text and a Target Language (TL) text. Our conception of equivalence is supported by a modern text-linguistic theory that considers that the text is the unit of analysis of the communicative event and, as translation itself is seen as a communicative event, then it turns out logical that it should be studied from a modern text-linguistic approach. A brief background is provided to support this perspective. However, this is a point of view not necessarily shared by all modern translation theorists and, therefore, two antagonistic positions in translation theory as well as the criticism against Linguistics/Text-oriented Theories (TOT) are analyzed. Then arguments for and against the notion of equivalence within TOT and COT (NonLinguistics/Context-oriented Theories) are discussed in detail and new perspectives reviewed. Finally, equivalence within the framework of a Dynamic Translation Model (DTM) is discussed and a brief illustration of its application in translation criticism is provided.
منابع مشابه
Equivalency and Non-equivalency of Lexical Items in English Translations of Nahj al-balagha
Lexical items play a key role in both language in general and translation in particular. Likewise, equivalence is a controversial concept discussed so widely in translation studies. Some theorists deem it to be fundamental in translation theory and define translation in terms of equivalence. The aim of this study is to identify the problems of lexical gaps in two translations of Nahj al-ba...
متن کاملLoss of the Socio-cultural Implicit Meanings in the English Translations of Mu’allaqat
Abstract Translation of literary texts, especially poetry, is one of the most difficult tasks; it requires mastery and knowledge of the language system and culture, and lack of this might lead to wrong translation. This study aimed to examine the loss and gain of the sociocultural implicit meanings in the English translations of the Mu’allaqat, and assess whether the translators of the Mu’allaq...
متن کاملLoss of the Socio-cultural Implicit Meanings in the English Translations of Mu’allaqat
Abstract Translation of literary texts, especially poetry, is one of the most difficult tasks; it requires mastery and knowledge of the language system and culture, and lack of this might lead to wrong translation. This study aimed to examine the loss and gain of the sociocultural implicit meanings in the English translations of the Mu’allaqat, and assess whether the translators of the Mu’allaq...
متن کاملAn Analysis of Social Systems in the Translation of The Great Gatsby
This article was written based on the key concept of polysystem theory which, in translating any literary text, emphasizes the transference of the social systems in which a text is embedded. As stated by Tynjanov (1978a), polysystem theory saw translated literature as a system operating in the larger social systems of the target text. Thus, the task of understanding as well as transferring such...
متن کاملThe Rise of Modern Persian Literature through Translation in Iran
Translation is an indispensable tool for communication between the diverse linguistic groups. It opens new horizons for the people living in a country so that it makes changes and improvements in their society, especially in the literature. Through the translation process, some literary principles and elements are introduced into the home literature which did not exist before. These features em...
متن کامل