The Possibility of Language
A discussion of the nature of language, with implications for human and machine translation
Authors
This book is about the limits of machine translation. It is widely recognized that machine translation systems do much better on domain-specific controlled-language texts (domain texts for short) than on dynamic general-language texts (general texts for short). The authors explore this general — domain distinction and come to some uncommon conclusions about the nature of language. Domain language is claimed to be made possible by general language, while general language is claimed to be made possible by the ethical dimensions of relationships. Domain language is unharmed by the constraints of objectivism, while general language is suffocated by those constraints. Along the way to these conclusions, visits are made to Descartes and Saussure, to Chomsky and Lakoff, to Wittgenstein and Levinas. From these conclusions, consequences are drawn for machine translation and translator tools, for linguistic theory and translation theory. The title of the book does not question whether language is possible; it asks, with wonder and awe, why communication through language is possible.
[Benjamins Translation Library, 14] 1995. xxvi, 276 pp.
Publishing status: Available
© John Benjamins Publishing Company
Table of Contents
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Abbreviations | p. x
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Acknowledgments | p. xi
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Foreword: Rapprochement and reconciliationMarilyn Gaddis Rose | p. xiii
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Foreword: Languages and machinesW. John Hutchins | p. xvii
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Preface | p. xxv
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1. Limits in search of a cause | p. 1
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2. Macine translation | p. 13
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3. The wall | p. 43
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4. Possibilities | p. 101
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5. Implications | p. 135
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Appendix | p. 193
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Endnotes | p. 217
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Glossary | p. 239
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Subject index | p. 251
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Author index | p. 271
“No readers are going to be neutral or indifferent. [This book’s] arguments deserve the most careful consideration by all those concerned with the fundamental aims and future prospects of both human and machine translation.”
John Hutchins, University of East Anglia, from the Foreword
“For nearly half a century, linguistics and comparative literature have disputed the terrain of translation studies. ... For practicing translators, who have belittled this dispute from a distance, now is the time to start reading [this book].”
Marilyn Gaddis Rose, State University of New York, from the Foreword
Cited by (27)
Cited by 27 other publications
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Wiryomartono, Bagoes
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Robinson, Douglas
2023. Walter Benjamin as translator as John Henry. Babel. Revue internationale de la traduction / International Journal of Translation ![DOI logo](//benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
Jiménez-Crespo, Miguel A.
Kenny, Dorothy, Joss Moorkens & Félix do Carmo
Nurminen, Mary & Maarit Koponen
Gambier, Yves
2018. Chapter 3.4. Institutionalization of translation studies. In A History of Modern Translation Knowledge [Benjamins Translation Library, 142], ► pp. 179 ff. ![DOI logo](//benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
Killman, Jeffrey
Giammarresi, Salvatore & Guy Lapalme
2016. Computer science and translation. In Border Crossings [Benjamins Translation Library, 126], ► pp. 205 ff. ![DOI logo](//benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
Laygues, Arnaud
Quah, C. K.
Casillas, Arantza & Raquel Mart�nez
O’hagan, Minako
Sandra, Halverson
Jorgensen, Stig W.
Kenny, Dorothy
1999. CAT Tools in an Academic Environment. Target. International Journal of Translation Studies 11:1 ► pp. 65 ff. ![DOI logo](//benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
Trujillo, Arturo
Whyman, Edward K. & Harold L. Somers
Chesterman, Andrew
1998. Causes, Translations, Effect. Target. International Journal of Translation Studies 10:2 ► pp. 201 ff. ![DOI logo](//benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
Somers, Harold
Somers, Harold
Melby, Alan
[no author supplied]
[no author supplied]
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Subjects
Linguistics
Translation & Interpreting Studies
Main BIC Subject
CF: Linguistics
Main BISAC Subject
LAN009000: LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / General