The Task of the Translator Revisited in Performative Translatology

Uwajeh, M. K. C.

Babel 2002 47 (3)228-247
(ReLIS:jul:oibfdn:y:2002:v:47:i:3:p:228-247)

Abstract:

This is a follow-up study to Uwajeh (1996b and 1996c) within the Performative Translatology paradigm, advertised earlier in Uwajeh (1994d) especially. Our objective here is to clarify further the task of the translator, with particular reference to the notions of ontext-sensitivity and ontextual equivalence as they relate to translation. First, we characterise the translation phenomenon as a language communication operation, and postulate accordingly that the task of the translator must be to re-transmit ST-transmitted information with a TT. Second, we recapitulate our position in Uwajeh (1996b and 1996c), whereby preoccupation in translation with meaning can only be a secondary business for the translator if his/her essential task is information transmission. Third, we explain that making a TT sensitive to the context of an ST cannot be the task of the translator either because context-sensitiveness is not the object of translation, but a means to that end. Fourth, we show that the attainment of contextual equivalence, being just one of the objectives of translation, cannot reasonably be equated to the task of the translator. Our driving motivation throughout the elucidation of the nature of translation in this paper is to take on successfully the challenge posed to linguists in the scepticism about the relevance of linguistics to translation matters articulated by Schogt (in Schulte and Biguenet, eds., 1992:201). As our work in this paper demonstrates, our Performative Linguistics-based translatological perspective proffers not just a “linguistic theory of translation of general applicability' in translation studies, but also a realist model of translation procedure for actual translation exercises.

Keywords: Traductología ; Revisiones ; Traducción ; Traductores
Pages: 228-247
Volume: 47
Year: 2002
Issue: 3

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