This paper illustrates key elements of a translation evaluation based on register analysis. In Section 1, the attempts in the current paper are related to linguistics and translation studies in general, and to the evaluation of translations in particular, arguing for a theoretically-based approach. A brief overview of the concept of register is also given. Sections 2, 3 and 4 cover the detailed analysis of the field, tenor and mode variables of the register of a translation, relating them critically to those of its source text. Section 5 argues that in addition to a 'register analysis, an evaluation of translations needs to take into account criteria based on comparative linguistics and language typology. Finally, it is suggested that a register-based approach links translation to co-generation under specific constraints, thus opening up the possibility of linking the translation quality to text quality in general.
Article outline
1.The Concept of Register and the Evaluation of Translations
2.Field of Discourse
2.1.Experiential Domain
2.2.Goal Orientation
2.3.Social Activity
3.Tenor of Discourse
3.1.Agentive Role
3.2.Social Role
3.3.Social Distance
4.Mode of Discourse
4.1.Language Role
4.2.Channel
4.3.Medium
5.The Text as a Translation from English into German
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