Exploring Translation Theories presents a comprehensive analysis of the core contemporary paradigms of Western translation theory.
This engaging overview covers the key theories of equivalence, solution types, purpose, scientific approaches, uncertainty, automation, and cultural translation. Fully revised, this third edition adds coverage of Russian and Ukrainian theories, examples from Chinese, advances in machine translation, and research on translators’ cognitive processes. Readers are encouraged to explore the various theories and consider their strengths, weaknesses, and implications for translation practice. The book concludes with a survey of the way translation is used as a model in postmodern cultural studies and sociologies, extending its scope beyond traditional Western notions.
Features in each chapter include:
- An introduction outlining the main points, key concepts and illustrative examples.
- Examples drawn from a range of languages, although knowledge of no language other than English is assumed.
- Discussion points and suggested classroom activities.
- A chapter summary.
This comprehensive and engaging book is ideal both for self-study and as a textbook for Translation theory courses within Translation Studies, Comparative Literature and Applied Linguistics.
Acknowledgements; Glossary; Preface; Chapter 1. What is a translation theory?; Chapter 2. Equivalence; Chapter 3. Solutions; Chapter 4. Purposes; Chapter 5. Science; Chapter 6. Uncertainty; Chapter 7. Automation; Chapter 8. Cultural translation; Postscript – Where’s the evidence?; References; Index
Biography
Anthony Pym is Distinguished Professor of Translation and Intercultural Studies at Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Spain. His publications include The Status of the Translation Profession in the European Union (2013) and On Translator Ethics (2012).
'Thinking students: start here! This “motivated journey” through the questions and quandaries which give rise to translation theories is an intellectual delight. A cornucopia of ideas and critical arguments, it is eminently readable, often witty, sometimes provocative, always thoughtful, always stimulating a response. Stick the last paragraph of the Postscript above your desk!'
Andrew Chesterman, University of Helsinki, Finland
'Anthony Pym is really good at making difficult and complicated theories easy to follow. He did it again in this fully revised edition of Exploring Translation Theories. Thoroughly updated, this book makes an ideal introduction to Western translation theories for students and teachers of all language combinations – and it is a pleasure reading it.'
Defeng LI, University of Macau, China
