Translation Theory; absolutely?

 

In order to become a good translator, is learning translation theory an indispensable prerequisite?

 

The theory that forms the basis of scientific thought defines science as the suggestions to be made in unexplored and unexperimented fields. Theory, which is a frequently applied, verifiable or falsified concept in scientific thinking systems, becomes law or fact or law when it becomes definite. Of course, we're not talking about the usual laws we know. Scientific laws are science-based validations that result from observations and experiments over time, whereas the result is commonly accepted.

Translation science, compared to other disciplines, is a new field. While many branches have been the subject of research and development since ancient times, studies in translation have been intensified at the beginning of the last century. However, the basis of translation theories dates back to pre-translation science.  In the early ages, influential writers and translators of their periods such as Cicero, Seneca, Horace, Saint Augustine from the Middle Ages to the New Age, Roger Bacon, Martin Luther, formed the basis of translation theories. The famous scholar and translator Cicero, who lived in Rome, has put forward the question of whether the translation should be performed word by word or according to the integrity of the meaning and the context and stated that the integrity of meaning is more significant. In this context, he stated that translation may produce more accurate results according to its meaning and he adopted this understanding in his own translations. However, in philosophical works, Cicero concluded that word by word translation could be more effective.

The whole set of ideas about how the translator must translate any text in the process of translation is called translation theory. Since ancient times, new theories constantly emerged in the field of translation.

Especially after the second half of the 20th century,  Translation theories, were developed within the scope of translation science, in addition to this, they heavily influenced translation activities. Multiple theories have been put forward in this process and it is accepted that translators make translations within the framework of these theories. Moreover, students, who study linguistics in university education, acquire the chance to study the theories of translation with scientific methods. For this reason, while forming our staff, as İvogsan International Language Services Provider, we want our translators who apply to us to be university graduates. They produce a more accurate and valid result by approaching translations more objectively.

-Descriptive Theory: This theory, developed by Gideon Toury who is an Israeli translation expert and professor of Letter, Comparative Literature and Translation Studies at Tel Aviv University, aimed at translation in the context of target-oriented. In addition, he also focused on translator behavior and brought a wider perspective to the profession.

-Multiplestring Theory: This theory which was put forward by Israeli linguist Itamar Even-Zohar in the 1970s, created an ecosystem within the scripts itself and asserts that these species are struggling to move from environment to center. In other words, a translation, which is in the center, is literary, then the type in the center, influence literature traditionally and stylistically.

-Translation as an Action: This theory which was put forward by Justa Holz-Mänttärri, the Finnish translation scientist, emphasizes that translations are activities, and that these activities must serve a purpose. The translator is seen as a cultural communication expert in the language in which he/she translates in this theory.

- Skopos Theory: This theory which was put forward in 1978 by the German linguist Hans Vermeer and developed in 1984 with Katharina Reiss, emphasizes that the determining factor in translation is the purpose. Skopos is a Greek originated word. The word means purpose or goal.

Translation theories contain information and thoughts that can enlighten our route to become a good translator. In this field, there are many theories and the important thing is to have knowledge about which theory should be applied in which translation. Theories must absolutely be applied in translations. It is significant to determine according to which theory the text will be translated. It can be translated according to the communicative, descriptive or functional theories. When viewed from this aspect, the importance of not only knowing the language but also embracing and applying the theories emerges. As a prerequisite, translation theories are necessary for translation. The translator determines a road map according to these theories.

İvogsan International Language Services Provider supplies the best service to translation agencies with its professional translators and associated translation agencies. Our staff, who has developed itself in the field of translation theories, are considered experts in their fields. Our organization is aware of the fact that translation activities require far more skills beyond simple language knowledge and approaches every translation project with an objective eye for your convenience.