Overview

From the outset, this book has evoked strong responses. Its central claim is that given a comprehensive theory of inferential communication, there is no need for a special theory of translation. This has been praised by some as ""wise and right"" (Dell Hymes) and condemned by others as ""astonishing, not to say perverse"" (Kirsten Malmkjaer). Gutt's call to move from semiotics to an inferential paradigm of communication remains a challenge for many. The debate continues and so does the demand for the book, resulting in this second edition. There is a 'Postscript' entitled 'A decade later', where the author addresses peer criticism, especially from those involved in the movement of 'translation studies', and attempts to bring out more clearly the unique mandate of translation. New perspectives, such as authenticity, are also introduced. Marginal notes, some tongue-in-cheek, liven up the discussion and new references ensure its currency.

Full Product Details

Author:   Ernst-August Gutt
Publisher:   St Jerome Publishing
Imprint:   St Jerome Publishing
Edition:   2nd edition
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 2.60cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.390kg
ISBN:  

9781900650298

ISBN 10:   1900650290
Pages:   284
Publication Date:   01 May 2000
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational ,  Professional & Vocational
Replaced By:   9781900650229
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The state of the art - some critical observations A new initiative Reservations The risk of (multidisciplinary) disintegration The problem of determining the domain of the theory The problem of evaluation and decision-making A problem of scientific method (research programme) Changes in scientific method Chapter 2: A relevance-theoretic approach The inferential nature of communication Semantic representations Context and the principle of relevance Descriptive and interpretive use Interpretive resemblance between propositional forms Interpretive resemblance between thoughts and utterances Interpretive resemblance between utterances Chapter 3: Covert translation The notion of 'covert translation' Translation - when all is change? Descriptive use in interlingual communication Chapter 4: Translating the meaning of the original Conveying the 'message' of the original The problem of secondary communication situations Secondary communication problems and 'dynamic equivalence' Secondary communication problems and idiomatic translation Translating the same 'message' by interpretive use? Chapter 5: Translation as interlingual interpretive use Introduction Faithfulness in interlingual interpretive use The origin of translation principles Conclusion Chapter 6: Translating what was expressed Style - the importance of the way thoughts are expressed Direct quotation, communicative clues, and direct translation Communicative clues arising from semantic representations Communicative clues arising from syntactic properties Communicative clues arising from phonetic properties Communicative clues arising from semantic constraints on relevance Communicative clues arising from formulaic expressions Onomatopoeia and communicative clues Communicative clues and the stylistic value of words Communicative clues arising from sound-based poetic properties Conclusion Chapter 7: A unified account of translation Direct translation - a special case of interpretive use On the use of the original context Partial resemblance in linguistic properties as translation? Translation, relevance and successful communication Risks of failure in translation Making intentions and expectations meet Conclusion Postscript A decade later The research programme shift (paradigm shift) The input-output research programme The competence-oriented research programme Small wonder different evaluations The same in the end? The unique mandate of translation Equivalence of message or function is not enough Translation as interlingual quotation Some Important consequences of a quotation-based concept of translation Translation is an act of communication rather than a text genre An aside on intentions Translation is communication between translator and target audience Translation cannot be covert Translations can be interpreted 'incognito' but ... Translation proper does not depend on the existence of a concept of 'translation' in the target culture The perspective of translation practice Toward a deeper understanding of 'meaning' Applying the rules Promises and perils of translation Interpretation with a unique claim of authenticity An authentic experience as well as an authentic message Translation (alone) cannot necessarily guarantee successful communication The subtle complexity of the translator's task A Word on cultural translation studies Conclusion General references in Postscript Reviews and literature with comments on Gutt 1991

Reviews

Gutt has written a clear and useful book on translation. He says new things about old problems; he is honest about the successes and failures of previous approaches to translation; and provides new and different examples to illustrate his claims. (William Frawley, Journal of Linguistics) This book says something genuinely new and useful about translation, no small achievement. (Raphael Salkie, Times Higher Education Supplement) This is a remarkable book which is bound to influence future studies in translation. (Detlef Stark, Language)

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Ernst-August Gutt

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