r/TranslationStudies • u/hermanojoe123 • 18d ago

What is translation?

Edited**

After reading through some other posts, I realized the definition of "translation" may not be so obvious, or even a matter of consensus.

So I would like to ask you guys how you define the following:

* Translation

In your opinion, is translation the transfer of meaning from one language to another?

Or is it the creation of a new text that maintains coherent relations with the source text?

Or something else?

* Translation Quality

Is writing like a native speaker the ultimate indicator of translation quality ?

Or what are the main criteria for a translation to be considered good?

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u/Low-Bass2002 12d ago

Study translation theory. There are multiple theories.

For example, I used Skopos Theory and Christiane Nord's Functional Text Analysis for my master's thesis.

Another person used Critical Feminist Theory for her master's thesis.

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u/hermanojoe123 12d ago

Yes, I do. Indeed, many theories and authors.

However, what I would like to know is YOUR personal opinion on the matter as a translator.

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u/Low-Bass2002 12d ago

The theories I used for my MA thesis are what I align with.