Social deixis in the translation of dramatic discourse

Horton, David

Babel 2000 45 (1)53-72
(ReLIS:jul:oibfdn:y:2000:v:45:i:1:p:53-72)

Abstract:

Pronominal modes of address are an instance of the kind of structural incompatibility between languages which presents a considerable challenge to the translator. Indeed, they have been described as an “impossibility of translation” (Lyons). The structural contrast between English and most other European languages with regard to this feature has significant implications for literary translations, since address behaviour encodes social relations and thus functions as an important signal of unfolding interpersonal dynamics in texts. This article explores the implications of divergent address systems in the translation of dramatic discourse, using examples from French-English and English-German translation to illustrate the problems involved.

Keywords: Traducción ; Análisis del discurso ; Francés ; Inglés ; Alemán ; Multiculturalismo ; Europa
Pages: 53-72
Volume: 45
Year: 2000
Issue: 1

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