A Different Perspective on Modification in Translation

Abstract

Concepts like “faithful” versus “transparent”, “honest” versus “comprehensible” and many other binary terms have always been controversial in the theory and practice of translation. The origin of these controversies can be found in whether or not we allow modification in translation. In general, modifications imply any alteration or manipulation in the form of the source text in order to properly convey the meaning into the target language. This paper aims to study the relation between modification (discoursal and lexical) in translation and the image schemata that exist in the minds of receivers. Image Schemata refer to the abstract mental structures formed through our interactions with the outside physical world around us, or as a result of social conventions. These abstract patterns play a crucial role in our understanding, reasoning, and conceptualization of phenomena. It is concluded that at a general level all kinds of modifications in translation are implemented in line with image schemata.