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Article published In: Target
Vol. 10:1 (1998) ► pp.41–68

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Starting to Unask What Translatology Is About

 | Heidelberg, Germany
Published online: 1 January 1998
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https://doi.org/10.1075/target.10.1.03ver
Abstract
The author presents his strictly functional theory ("Skopos Theory") of translation. Acting is primarily conditioned by a "purpose" and the nature of the intended addressees. The source text wording is of secondary importance. The functional skopos model allows the translator freedom to act as an expert and gives him responsibility for his approach. Modern research in reception aesthetics, neurobiology, philosophy and other disciplines confirms the contingency and relativity of all human behaviour. The author briefly discusses several new brain theories and Dawkins' "meme" concept and some of their implications for translating.
Résumé
L'auteur expose sa théorie fonctionnelle de la traduction (Skopostheorie). L'action humaine est surtout conditionnée par un "but" et par les destinataires visés. La formulation de l'original est d'importance secondaire: une théorie strictement fonctionnelle accorde au traducteur la liberté du spécialiste, tout en le rendant responsable de sa démarche. Des acquis récents dans les domaines de l'esthétique de la réception, la neurobiologie, la philosophie, et d'autres disciplines ont confirmé la contingence et la relativité de toute forme d'agir. L'article présente plusieurs nouvelles théories du fonctionnement du cerveau, la théorie du "meme" de Dawkins, et en étudie des implications sur le plan de la traduction.
Article outline
  • The Meaning of "Skopos Theory"
  • Some (Incoherent) Thoughts on Translatology
  • A Loophole in the Vicious Circle?
  • Relativism Again
  • Freedom and Responsibility
  • Role and Person
  • Exemplifying Freedom
  • Where To Go?
  • Notes
  • References
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