Form-based Translation Criticism: A Case Study of The School Principal by Jalal Al-e Ahmad

Abstract

This paper tries to deal with translation criticism from an objective perspective based on the model proposed by Reiss (2000). On the basis of Bühler’s three functions of language, Reiss distinguishes three text types (content-focused, form-focused and appeal-focused texts) and also adds a fourth one, audio-medial texts. She then provides detailed guidelines for translating and criticizing the translation of each type. The focus of the present paper is on the translation of a form-focused text from Persian into English. A Persian short story entitled The School Principal written by Jalal Al-e Ahmad and its translated version by John K. Newton were selected, and based on the model of Reiss (form-focused texts), the analysis was carried out. The results show that in most cases the translator could transfer the linguistic elements and extra-linguistic determinants into English, and the translated version can be considered as an equivalent of the original.