Towards a meta-theoretical model for translation
A multidimensional approach
Piotr Blumczynski | Queen’s University Belfast
Ghodrat Hassani | Damghan University
In this study, we propose a meta-theoretical model for translation. In doing so, we start from a critique of bivalent thinking – rooted in classical logic – exposing unidimensionality as its fundamental weakness. We then consider how this problem has traditionally been addressed by proposing continua. While recognising their cognitive, heuristic and didactic values, we argue that despite the promise of alleviating strict polarisation symptomatic of binarisms, continua are still unidimensional and thus counterproductive to theorising that seeks to capture translational complexity. As a way out of this impasse, building on the premises of fuzzy logic and the understanding that translation is a non-zero-sum concept, we suggest that theoretical concepts be couched in terms of multidimensionality (that is, contrasted with numerous oppositions, rather than a single one, as is the case with polar thinking). Finally, we suggest how our proposed approach can be translated into a practice of theorising.
Keywords: binary, classical logic, continuum, dimension, fuzzy logic, multidimensional, translation theory, zero-sum thinking
Published online: 15 July 2019
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.17031.blu
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.17031.blu
References
References
Abbott, Edwin A.
Arduini, Stefano, and Siri Nergaard
Baker, Mona
Barańczak, Stanisław
Bennett, Bo
Blumczyński, Piotr
Catford, John C.
Chesterman, Andrew
Colina, Sonia
Corcoran, John
Cronin, Michael
Danaher, James
2004 “The Laws of Thought.” The Philosopher LXXXXII (1). http://www.the-philosopher.co.uk/lawsofthought.htm
Delabastita, Dirk
Deleuze, Gilles, and Félix Guattari
de Vries, Lourens
Dryden, John
Evans, Vyvyan
Farahmand, Mehrdad
2014 “Sholokhov and Iranian Translators’ Error” [شولوخوف و خطای مترجمان ایرانی]. http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/2014/02/140221_mf_sholokhov.shtml
Flood, Alison
2011 “First Ever Direct English Translation of Solaris Published.” Guardian, June 15 2011 https://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/jun/15/first-direct-translation-solaris
Gentzler, Edwin
Godayol, Pilar
Halverson, Sandra
Henitiuk, Valerie
Hermans, Theo
Israel, Hephzibah
Jakobson, Roman
Koller, Werner
Koskinen, Kaisa
Latour, Bruno
Lem, Stanisław
Marais, Kobus
Meylaerts, Reine, and Maud Gonne
Mossop, Brian
Pym, Anthony
1995 “Schleiermacher and the Problem of Blendlinge.” Translation and Literature 4 (1): 5–30. http://usuaris.tinet.cat/apym/on-line/intercultures/blendlinge.pdf
Robinson, Douglas
Schleiermacher, Friedrich
Schopenhauer, Arthur
(1864) 2008 The Art of Controversy. Translated by Thomas Bailey Saunders, edited by Axel Wendelberger. Megaphone eBooks. http://www.wendelberger.com/downloads/Schopenhauer_EN.pdf
Snell-Hornby, Mary
Tannen, Deborah
Torresi, Ira
Toury, Gideon
Venuti, Lawrence