Function-Based Translation

Abstract

This paper deals first with our lingual understanding of the world and its different stages, and secondly with the codification of reality in the form of linguistic signs and the nature of these signs in lingual and literary works are discussed. It then proceeds to the emergence of different functions of language including the communicative or instrumental function which produces lingual works and then to the non-instrumental or aesthetic function which generates literary works. The latter function is explained in relation to foregrounding, motivated nature of signs and literariness. Thus, function-based translation with a view to the criteria discussed herein is recommended as an approach towards the translation of lingual works and particularly literary texts. Finally, translation is presented as a dialogue between two worlds: the SL and the TL.