Andrew Chesterman

Memes of Translation is a search for coherence in translation theory based on the notion of Memes: ideas that spread, develop and replicate, like genes. The author explores a wide range of ideas on translation, mapping the “meme pool” of translation theory with chapters on translation history, norms, strategies, assessment, ethics, and translator training. The aim of the book is to search for a perspective from which the immense variety of ideas about translation can be related. The unifying thread is the philosophy of Karl Popper. The book proposes the beginnings of a Popperian theory of translation, based on the fundamental concepts of norms, strategies, and values. A key idea is that a translation itself is a theory or hypothesis concerning the source text. This hypothesis is then subjected to testing, refinement, and perhaps even rejection, just like any other hypothesis.

The spread of ideas in translation theory

Memes of Translation

Jenny Williams

"The Map" is a practical guide for students doing their first major research at BA and MA/PhD levels.

A Beginner's Guide to Doing Research in Translation Studies

The Map

Originally published in different journals and collected volumes, these papers in conceptual analysis cover some central topics in translation theory and research: types of theory and hypothesis; causality and explanation; norms, strategies and so-called universals; translation sociology, and ethics. There are critical reviews of Catford’s theory, and of Skopos theory, and of Kundera’s views on literary translation, and detailed analyses of the literal translation hypothesis and the unique items hypothesis. The methodological discussions, which draw on work in the philosophy of science, will be of special relevance to younger researchers, for example those starting work on a doctorate. Some of the arguments and positions defended – for instance on the significant status of conceptual, interpretive hypotheses, and the ideal of consilience – relate to wider ongoing debates, and will interest any scholar who is concerned about the increasing fragmentation of the field and about the future of Translation Studies. Let the dialogue continue!

Selected papers 1993 - 2014

Reflections on Translation Theory

The Map is a practical guidebook introducing the basics of research in translation studies for students doing their first major research project in the field. Depending on where they are studying, this may be at advanced undergraduate (BA) or at postgraduate (MA/PHD) level. The book consists of ten chapters. Chapter 1 offers an overview of 12 research areas in translation studies in order to help students identify a topic and establish some of the current research questions relating to it. Chapter 2 is designed to assist students in planning their research project and covers topics such as refining the initial idea, determining the scope of the project, checking out resources, reading critically, keeping complete bibliographic records, and working with a supervisor. Chapters 3 to 7 provide some of the conceptual and methodological tools needed in this area of research, with detailed discussion of such topics as theoretical models of translation, types of research, asking questions, making claims, formulating hypotheses, establishing relations between variables, and selecting and analyzing data. Chapters 8 and 9 are about presenting one's research, in writing as well as orally. Finally, chapter 10 deals with some of the criteria commonly used in research assessment, especially in the assessment of theses. The authors provide detailed guidance on further reading throughout. This is an essential reference work for research students and lecturers involved in supervising research projects and degrees.

Yves Gambier

Natividad Gallardo San Salvador

Translation in Context is a collection of contributions from the 1998 Congress arranged by EST, the European Society for Translation Studies, in Granada, Spain. It illustrates some of the latest research interests and achievements in Translation Studies at the turn of the millennium. The contributions show how the context of Translation Studies has expanded to cover new documentation techniques, cultural and psychological factors, the latest computer tools, ideological issues, media translation, and new methodologies. A total of 32 papers deal with: (I) Conceptual analysis in Translation Studies, (II) Situational, sociological and political factors, (III) Psychological and cognitive aspects, (IV) Translation effects, (V) Computer aids, (VI) Text-type studies, (VII) Culture-bound concepts, and (VIII) Translation history. The languages of the papers and abstracts are English, French, German and Spanish.

Selected papers from the EST Congress, Granada 1998

Translation in Context

Emma Wagner

Can Theory Help Translators? is a dialogue between a theoretical scholar and a professional translator, about the usefulness (if any) of translation theory. The authors argue about the problem of the translator's identity, the history of the translator's role, the translator's visibility, translation types and strategies, translation quality, ethics and translation aids.

A Dialogue Between the Ivory Tower and the Wordface

Can Theory Help Translators?

This title is a collection of contributions illustrating research interests and achivements in translation studies at the turn of the 21st century. The contributions show how the context of translation has expanded to cover documentation techniques, cultural and psychological factors, computer tools, ideological issues, media translation and methodologies. A total of 32 papers deal with aspects such as conceptual analysis in translation studies, situational, sociological and political factors, and psychological and cognitive aspects of translation.

Selected Contributions from the EST Congress, Granada, 1998

This 1991 book proposes a theory of definiteness, based on an analysis of the rich system of articles in English, and of the ways in which definiteness is inferred rather than expressed in Finnish.

Andrew Chesterman

About

Books

Join the club