Overview

Do translation theorists observe what translators do and develop theories based on that? Do translators gain ideas and tools from studying theories? Or does it go both ways? Or is it neither, and translation scholars are completely separated from practising translators? In my own translation practice, academic work, and teaching, I find that translation theories, far from being scary and distance from what I do as a translator on a day-to-day basis, actually provide beneficial concepts and strategies that can help me make translatorial decisions. The work of translators like me, in turn, comes to influence the way academics understand and write about what translators do. I summarise a wide range of translation theories, from across different time periods and parts of the world, and I then follow this by suggesting ideas that stem from these theoretical concepts and that can be of practical use to translators.

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9781839992070

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Reviews

Perspectives: Studies in Translatology “In this accessible and very useful book, Woodstein argues that theory and practice need not be seen oppositionally. She provides a clear and concise introduction to a diverse assortment of ideas from contemporary translation theory and makes a persuasive case for how (sometimes suspicious) working translators might usefully engage with them to interrogate and develop their own practice.”—Daniel Hahn, Translator, UK. “This book should be required reading for anyone designing or delivering a programme of study in Translation Studies. Structured as a series of reflections on the key theoretical dimensions surrounding the work of the practising literary translator, and with a careful selection of readings that go beyond the usual suspects, B.J. Woodstein issues us a timely call to think again, think more and think deeper about the vital contributions that theory makes to the ‘doing’ of translation practice.”—Dr Sarah Maitland, Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London, UK. Translation Theory for Literary Translators provides a thorough and accessible examination of key theoretical issues, making it an invaluable resource for both new and experienced translators. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, Woodstein offers a fresh perspective on how theory can deepen translators’ engagement with texts, enhancing both their craft and their critical thinking.—Perspectives: Studies in Translatology

“In this accessible and very useful book, Woodstein argues that theory and practice need not be seen oppositionally. She provides a clear and concise introduction to a diverse assortment of ideas from contemporary translation theory and makes a persuasive case for how (sometimes suspicious) working translators might usefully engage with them to interrogate and develop their own practice.”—Daniel Hahn, Translator, UK. “This book should be required reading for anyone designing or delivering a programme of study in Translation Studies. Structured as a series of reflections on the key theoretical dimensions surrounding the work of the practising literary translator, and with a careful selection of readings that go beyond the usual suspects, B.J. Woodstein issues us a timely call to think again, think more and think deeper about the vital contributions that theory makes to the ‘doing’ of translation practice.”—Dr Sarah Maitland, Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London, UK.

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Author Information

B. J. Woodstein is an honorary professor in literature and translation at the University of East Anglia in England and a Swedish-to-English translator, writer, editor, EDI consultant, lactation consultant, and doula.

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