Reflections on Translation Theory: Selected papers 1993 - 2014(132 Benjamins Translation Library)

Originally published in different journals and collected volumes, these papers in conceptual analysis cover some central topics in translation theory and research: types of theory and hypothesis; causality and explanation; norms, strategies and so-called universals; translation sociology, and ethics. There are critical reviews of Catford’s theory, and of Skopos theory, and of Kundera’s views on literary translation, and detailed analyses of the literal translation hypothesis and the unique items hypothesis. The methodological discussions, which draw on work in the philosophy of science, will be of special relevance to younger researchers, for example those starting work on a doctorate. Some of the arguments and positions defended – for instance on the significant status of conceptual, interpretive hypotheses, and the ideal of consilience – relate to wider ongoing debates, and will interest any scholar who is concerned about the increasing fragmentation of the field and about the future of Translation Studies. Let the dialogue continue!

Review :
Reflections on Translation Theory ultimately demonstrates the significance of Chesterman’s work to translation theory. He offers an important, questioning voice in the discipline that does not allow anything to be taken for granted. His writing is refreshingly clear, but he is not afraid of complexity when it is necessary. While his style might be relatively straightforward and easy to read, the ideas he grapples with can be quite large and imposing. There is much to learn from reading Chesterman’s work, even if we disagree with it: even then, he points out ways in which we can develop our thinking about translation. This collection of papers brings together more than two decades of writings on translation by one of the leading international Translation Studies experts. The selection reflects the trajectory of Andrew Chesterman’s thinking about the phenomenon of translation, with special emphasis on conceptual analysis and research methodology. He writes about translation theory, hypotheses, norms, causality, explanation and translation ethics in a thoughtful and intellectually stimulating manner. This book is essential reading for scholars and postgraduate students of translation alike. Chesterman’s new book is valuable and a timely contribution to the field of Translation Studies. The paradox of fragmentation and shared ground will never cease existing as interdisciplinarity expands the research territory of TS while unification consolidates the foundation of the field. With a critical review over what has been achieved in TS, the book is a must-read not only for translation scholars, but also for translators as well as those who are interested in Translation Studies. The volume is logically structured and orderly. The collection indeed inspires and will inspire critical and in-depth thinking. The author does not impose anything on the readers, but constantly keeps them informed of why a particular definition, for example, is preferred and alerts readers of potential weaknesses in his own thinking as well as in the thinking of those who have influenced his ideas about translation. The volume is definitely a valuable and precious contribution to the translation studies literature, which will inspire generations of researchers. Two decades of the best recent thinking about translation theory and its fundamental concepts. A superb achievement.