2nd Edition

Translation and Relevance Cognition and Context

By Ernst-August Gutt Copyright 2000
    284 Pages
    by Routledge

    284 Pages
    by Routledge

    From the outset, this book has evoked strong responses. Its central claim is that given a comprehensive theory of inferential communication, there is no need for a special theory of translation. This has been praised by some as "wise and right" (Dell Hymes) and condemned by others as "astonishing, not to say perverse" (Kirsten Malmkjaer).

    Gutt's call to move from semiotics to an inferential paradigm of communication remains a challenge for many. The debate continues and so does the demand for the book, resulting in this second edition. There is a 'Postscript' entitled 'A decade later', where the author addresses peer criticism, especially from those involved in the movement of 'translation studies', and attempts to bring out more clearly the unique mandate of translation. New perspectives, such as authenticity, are also introduced. Marginal notes, some tongue-in-cheek, liven up the discussion and new references ensure its currency.

    Chapter 1: The state of the art - some critical observations


    A new initiative
    Reservations
      The risk of (multidisciplinary) disintegration
      The problem of determining the domain of the theory
      The problem of evaluation and decision-making
      A problem of scientific method (research programme)
      Changes in scientific method

    Chapter 2:  A relevance-theoretic approach


    The inferential nature of communication
    Semantic representations
    Context and the principle of relevance
    Descriptive and interpretive use
      Interpretive resemblance between propositional forms
      Interpretive resemblance between thoughts and utterances
      Interpretive resemblance between utterances


    Chapter 3: Covert translation


    The notion of 'covert translation'
    Translation - when all is change?
    Descriptive use in interlingual communication


    Chapter 4: Translating the meaning of the original


    Conveying the 'message' of the original
    The problem of secondary communication situations
      Secondary communication problems and 'dynamic equivalence'
      Secondary communication problems and idiomatic translation
      Translating the same 'message' by interpretive use?


    Chapter 5: Translation as interlingual interpretive use


    Introduction
    Faithfulness in interlingual interpretive use
    The origin of translation principles
    Conclusion


    Chapter 6: Translating what was expressed


    Style - the importance of the way thoughts are expressed
    Direct quotation, communicative clues, and direct translation
    Communicative clues arising from semantic representations
    Communicative clues arising from syntactic properties
    Communicative clues arising from phonetic properties
    Communicative clues arising from semantic constraints on relevance
    Communicative clues arising from formulaic expressions
    Onomatopoeia and communicative clues
    Communicative clues and the stylistic value of words
    Communicative clues arising from sound-based poetic properties
    Conclusion


    Chapter 7: A unified account of translation


    Direct translation - a special case of interpretive use
    On the use of the original context
    Partial resemblance in linguistic properties as translation?
    Translation, relevance and successful communication
      Risks of failure in translation
      Making intentions and expectations meet
    Conclusion

     

    Postscript
    A decade later
    The research programme shift (paradigm shift)
      The input-output research programme
      The competence-oriented research programme
      Small wonder different evaluations
      The same in the end?
    The unique mandate of translation
      Equivalence of message or function is not enough
      Translation as interlingual quotation
    Some Important consequences of a quotation-based concept of translation
      Translation is an act of communication rather than a text genre
      An aside on intentions
      Translation is communication between translator and target audience
      Translation cannot be covert 
    Translations can be interpreted 'incognito' but ...
    Translation proper does not depend on the existence of a concept of 'translation' in the target culture
    The perspective of translation practice
      Toward a deeper understanding of 'meaning'
      Applying the rules
    Promises and perils of translation
      Interpretation with a unique claim of authenticity
      An authentic experience as well as an authentic message
      Translation (alone) cannot necessarily guarantee successful communication
      The subtle complexity of the translator's task
    A Word on cultural translation studies
    Conclusion


    General references in Postscript

     

    Reviews and literature with comments on Gutt 1991

    Biography

    Ernst-August Gutt