Full Description
German-language approaches to translation have been revolutionized by the theory of action (Handlungstheorie) and the related theory of translation's goal or purpose (Skopstheorie). Both these approaches are functionalist: they seek to liberate translators from servitude to the source text, seeing translation as a new communicative act that must be purposeful with respect to the translator's client and readership. As one of the leading figures in this field, Christiane Nord gives the first full survey of functionalist approaches in English. She explains the complexities of the theories and their terms, using simple language with numerous examples. The book includes an overview of how the theories developed, illustrations of the main ideas, and specific applications to translator training, literary translation, interpreting and ethics. The survey concludes with a concise review of the criticisms that have been made of the theories, together with perspectives for the future development of functionalist approaches.
Contents
1. Historical OverviewEarly Views Katharina Reiss and the Functional Category of Translation Criticism Hans J. Vermeer: Skopostheorie and Beyond Justa Holz-Manttari and the Theory of Translational Action Functionalist Methodology in Translator Training2. Translating and the Theory of ActionTranslating as a Form of Translational Interaction Translating as Intentional Interaction Translating as Interpersonal Interaction Translating as a Communicative Action Translating as Intercultural Action Translating as a Text-Processing Action3. Basic Concepts of SkopostheorieSkopos, Aim, Purpose, Intention, Function and Translation Brief Translation Brief Intratextual and Intertextual Coherence The Concept of Culture and Culture-Specificity Adequacy and Equivalence The Role of Text Classifications4. Functionalism in Translator TrainingA Translation-Oriented Model of Text Functions A Functional Typology of Translations Norms and Conventions in Functional Translation Source-text Analysis, Translation Briefs and Identifying Translation Problems A Functional Hierarchy of Translation Problems Translation Units Revisited Translation Errors and Translation Evaluation5. Functionalism in Literary Translation Actional Aspects of Literary Communication Literary Communication across Culture Barriers Skopos and Assignment in Literary Translation Some examples6. Functionalist Approaches to InterpretingThe Role of Interpreting in Skopostheorie Translator Training: From Interpreting to Translation A Functionalist Approach to Simultaneous Interpreting7. Criticisms8. Function plus Loyalty9. Future Perspectives
