Translation: Problems and Prospects of Definition

Abstract

The present paper is the result of an attempt to recount some of the problems of a few important definitions of translation proposed in the 20th century and to propound a comprehensive account of this thoughtful and creative action. The proposed definition, similar to the present practices of TEF/SL, is communicatively oriented and accordingly it is not limited to linguistic competency. Distinctive characteristics of this approach are: 1. discourse oriented, and 2. process based. The main body of the paper is devoted to an account of the details of this model of definition with its major subdivisions of: 1. comprehension, 2. re-stating, and 3. quality control. To clarify the discussion, examples are provided from students' translations.