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Article published In: FORUM
Vol. 8:2 (2010) ► pp.133–161

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The Translator in Tibetan History

Identity and influence

 | Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong |
Published online: 1 October 2010
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https://doi.org/10.1075/forum.8.2.06rai
Abstract/Résumé
En raison de l'isolement géographique et politique du Tibet durant la majeure partie de sa longue histoire, l'étude de la traduction au Tibet est un très récent -et en grande partie inexploré- terrain de recherche. Pendant des siècles, les traducteurs au Tibet ont été vénérés pour le rôle crucial qu'ils ont joué dans ce qu'on a appelé «le plus grand échange culturel planifié et soutenu aux débuts de l'histoire du monde" (Khyentse 2009: 23)-la traduction de la totalité du canon bouddhiste indien en tibétain . Ce projet monumental, qui a pris des centaines d'années et a impliqué la traduction de plus de 5.000 textes religieux, s'est déroulée en deux périodes historiques distinctes. Dans cet article, la position des traducteurs dans la société tibétaine traditionnelle est d'abord examiné, après quoi est présentée l'histoire de la traduction au Tibet sur les deux périodes, à partir des événements clés, des personnages historiques, et des activités de traduction décrites. Ce travail que Pym nomme « l'archéologie de traduction » (1998: 5) est ensuite lié au présent par un examen des facteurs liés à la réussite des traducteurs tibétains qui influent sur les traducteurs modernes. Comprendre les techniques de traduction et les méthodes du passé peuvent apporter un éclairage nouveau sur les difficultés rencontrées par les personnes impliquées dans le transfert culturel du bouddhisme tibétain en Occident.
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