Translating as a Purposeful Activity: Functionalist Approaches Explained(Translation Theories Explored)

This bestselling text is a comprehensive overview of functionalist approaches to translation in English. Christiane Nord, one of the leading figures in translation studies, explains the complexities of theories and terms in simple language with numerous examples. Covering how the theories developed, illustrations of the main ideas, and specific applications to translator training, literary translation, interpreting and ethics, Translating as a Purposeful Activity concludes with a concise review of both criticisms and perspectives for the future. Now with a Foreword by Georges Bastin and a new chapter covering the recent developments and elaborations of the theory, this is an essential text for students of translation studies and for translator training.

Table of Contents:
Foreword to the new English edition Introduction 1. Historical Overview Early Views Katharina Reiss and the Functional Category of Translation Criticism Hans J. Vermeer: Skopostheorie and Beyond Justa Holz-Mänttäri and the Theory of Translational Action Fuctionalist Methodology in Translator Training 2. Translating and the Theory of Action Translating as a Form of Translational Interaction Translating as Intentional Interaction Translating as Interpersonal Interaction Translating as a Communicative Action Translating as Intercultural Action Translating as a Text-Processing Action 3. Basic Concepts of Skopostheorie Skopos, Aim, Purpose, Intention, Function and Translation Brief Intratextual and Intertextual Coherence The Concept of Culture and Culture-Specificity Adequacy and Equivalence The Role of Text Classifications 4. Functionalism in Translator Training A Translation-Oriented Model of Communicative Functions in Texts A Functional Typology of Translations Norms and Conventions in Functional Translation Source-text Analysis, Translation Briefs and Identifying Translation Problems A Functional Hierarchy of Translation Problems Translation Units Revisited Translation Errors and Translation Evaluation 5. Functionalism in Literary Translation Actional Aspects of Literary Communication Literary Communication across Culture Barriers Skopos and Assignment in Literary Translation Some examples 6. Functionalism Approaches to Interpreting The Role of Interpreting in Spokostheorie Translator Training: From Interpreting to Translation A Functionalist Approach to Simulteanous Interpreting 7. Criticisms Criticism 1: Not All Actions Have an Intention Criticism 2: Not All Translations Have a Purpose Criticism 3: Functional Approaches Transgress the Limits of Translation Proper Criticism 4: Skopostheorie Is Not an Original Theory Criticism 5: Functionalism Is Not Based on Empirical Findings Criticism 6: Functionalism Produces Mercenary Experts Criticism 7: Functionalism Does Not Respect the Original Criticism 8: Functionalism Is a Theory of Adaptation Criticism 9: Functionalism Does Not Work in Literary Translation Criticism 10: Functionalism Is Marked by Cultural Relativism 8. Function plus Loyalty 9. Future Perspectives at the end of the 1990s Functionalism in the Profession Functionalism in Academia Functionalism in the English-speaking World Functional Translation and Democracy 10. Skopos Theory and Functionalism in the New Millenium The Academic World The Wranslator’s Workplace Functionalism in Legal Translation Functionalism in Literary and Religious Texts Adaptation and Transfer Studies Glossary Bibliographical References

About the Author :
Christiane Nord is Professor Emerita of Translation Studies and Specialized Communication at the University of Applied Sciences of Magdeburg, Germany, and Visiting Professor at several universities of the People’s Republic of China. She also holds the position of Professor Extraordinary and Research Fellow at the University of the Free State, South Africa. Her homepage can be found at www.christiane-nord.de.

Review :
"This widely used and highly popular book is back – in revised form. With an added chapter on the spread of functionalism throughout the world and numerous small revisions, it promises to keep functionalism growing. Both students and researchers should find it enlightening and challenging – of both theory and practice." Kobus Marais, University of the Free State, South Africa "This timely new edition of Christiane Nord’s landmark work takes functionalist approaches into the next generation. The consideration of recent trends and applications reflects the author’s deep vision and pedagogical talent. The result is a most comprehensive and readable overview for anyone seeking to understand translation as professional communication." Fernando Prieto Ramos, University of Geneva, Switzerland