Cover not available

Article published In: Target
Vol. 8:2 (1996) ► pp.325–340

Get fulltext from our e-platform
JBE logo with link
PDF logo with download linkDownload PDF
authorization required

Towards a Model of Translation Proficiency

 | Griffith University, Brisbane
Published online: 1 January 1996
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.8.2.07cao
Abstract
This paper introduces the concept of translation proficiency and examines its nature. It then presents a tentative framework for dealing with translation proficiency in which areas of translation competence are identified, described and justified. The discussion integrates paradigms in translation studies and language testing, arguing that it is translation proficiency that should be tested and that translation testing should be incorporated as an integral part of the study of translation.
Résumé
L'article présente la notion de compétence traductive, et dessine le cadre qui permet d'identifier, de décrire et de légitimer ses domaines. Ce cadre inclut des paradigmes pour d'étude de la traduction et pour les tests de langue, suivant l'argument que l'objet du test doit être la compétence traductive, et que le test de traduction doit s'intégrer à part entière à l'étude de la traduction.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.A Model of Translation Proficiency
  • 3.Probing into the Model
    • 3.1.Translational Language Competence
    • 3.2.Translational Knowledge Structures
    • 3.3.Translational Strategic Competence
    • 3.4.Interactions Between the Variables
  • 4.Some Implications
    • 4.1.Translating as a Global Act
    • 4.2.Translation is a Special Area of Expertise
    • 4.3.Language Competence in the First and Second/Foreign Language
    • 4.4.General and Literary Translation
    • 4.5.Developmental Path of Translation Proficiency
  • Notes
  • References
References (20)
References
Bachman, Lyle F. 1991. Fundamental Considerations in Language Testing. New York: Oxford University Press. (11990)Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Bachman, Lyle F. and Adrian S. Palmer. 1992. Language Testing in Practice. [ms.]Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Chomsky, Noam. 1965. Aspects of the Theory of Syntax. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Clark, John L.D. 1975. “Theoretical and Technical Considerations in Oral Proficiency Testing”. Randall L. Jones and Bernard Spolsky, eds. Testing Language Proficiency. Arlington, Va.: Center for Applied Linguistics, 1975. 10–24.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Delisle, Jean. 1988. Translation: An Interpretive Approach, tr. Patricia Logan and Monica Creery. Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Ingram, David E. 1985. “Assessing Proficiency: An Overview of Some Aspects of Testing”. Kenneth Hyltenstam and Manfred Pienemann, eds. Modelling and Assessing Second Language Acquisition. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters, 1985. 215–276.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Lörscher, Wolfgang. 1991. Translation Performance, Translation Process, and Translation Strategies: A Psycholinguistic Investigation. Tübingen: Narr.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Neubert, Albrecht and Gregory M. Shreve. 1992. Translation as Text. Kent, Ohio and London: Kent State University Press.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Rose, Marilyn Gaddis, ed. 1987. Translation Excellence: Assessment, Achievement, Maintenance. Binghamton: State University of New York Press.   Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Séguinot, Candace. 1989. “Preface”. Candace Séguinot, ed. The Translation Process. Toronto: H.G. Publications, 1989. iii–iv.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Seleskovitch, Danica. 1988. “Technical and Literary Translation: A Unifying View”. ITI Conference 2: Translators and Interpreters Means Business, 1988. 83–88.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Snell-Hornby, Mary. 1988. Translation Studies: An Integrated Approach. Amsterdam-Philadelphia: John Benjamins.   Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
. 1992. “The Professional Translator of Tomorrow: Language Specialist or All-Round Expert?” Cay Dollerup and Anne Loddegaard, eds. Teaching Translation and Interpreting: Training, Talent and Experience: Papers from the First Language International Conference, Elsinore, Denmark, 31 May - 2 June 1991. Amsterdam-Philadelphia: John Benjamins, 1992. 9–22.   Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Stevenson, Douglas K. 1985. “In Other Words: Language Testers and Translation Tests”. Christopher Titford and A.E. Hieke, eds. Translation in Foreign Language Teaching and Testing. Tübingen: Narr, 1985. 137–153.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Straight, H. Stephen. 1981. “Knowledge, Purpose, and Intuition: Three Dimensions in the Evaluation of Translation”. Marilyn Gaddis Rose, ed. Translation Spectrum: Essays in Theory and Practice. Albani: State University of New York Press, 1981. 41–51.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Toury, Gideon. 1986. “Natural Translation and the Making of a Native Translator”. TEXTconTEXT 11. 11–29.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
. 1986a. “Monitoring Discourse Transfer: A Test-Case for a Developmental Model of Translation”. Juliane House and Shoshana Blum-Kulka, eds. Interlingual and Intercultural Communication: Discourse and Cognition in Translation and Second Language Acquisition Studies. Tübingen: Narr, 1986. 79–94.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Vermeer, Hans J. 1986. “Übersetzen und kultureller Transfer”. Mary Snell-Hornby, ed. Übersetzungswissenschaft—Eine Neuorientierung: Zur Integrierung von Theorie und Praxis. Tübingen: Francke, 1986. 30–53.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Cited by (29)

Cited by 29 other publications

Ciller, Julio & Sonia Colina
2025. Language proficiency in translation and interpreting programs. Translation and Interpreting Studies DOI logo
Collischonn, Lúcia
2025. Literary Exophonic Translation, DOI logo
Cao, Daqin, Jianfen Chen & Shijie Liu
2024. University–Industry Collaboration in Managing Translation Projects: Perceptions and Responses From Students, Instructors, and Industry Partners. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 67:3 ► pp. 352 ff. DOI logo
Károly, Krisztina
2024. Toward a Conceptual Model of Academic Translation Competence. International Journal of Applied Linguistics DOI logo
Le Poder, Marie-Évelyne
2024. L’intelligence interculturelle en traduction. Babel. Revue internationale de la traduction / International Journal of Translation / Revista Internacional de Traducción 70:3 ► pp. 357 ff. DOI logo
Prieto Ramos, Fernando
2024. Revisiting translator competence in the age of artificial intelligence: the case of legal and institutional translation. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer 18:2 ► pp. 148 ff. DOI logo
Fernández de Casadevante, María
2023. Overcoming cultural barriers resulting from religious diversity. Church, Communication and Culture 8:1 ► pp. 104 ff. DOI logo
Bolaños-Medina, Alicia & Juan L. Núñez
2022. Autonomy support, critical thinking, and motivation as key predictors of translator trainees' strategic competence. Across Languages and Cultures 23:2 ► pp. 131 ff. DOI logo
Li, Xiangdong
2022. Identifying in-demand qualifications and competences for translation curriculum renewal: a content analysis of translation job ads. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer 16:2 ► pp. 177 ff. DOI logo
Sela-Sheffy, Rakefet
2022. The Translation Professions. In The Cambridge Handbook of Translation, ► pp. 160 ff. DOI logo
Sela-Sheffy, Rakefet
2023. What Does It Take to Be a Professional Translator? Identity as a Resource. In Professions and Proficiency [Knowledge and Space, 18], ► pp. 89 ff. DOI logo
Ureel, Jim J. J., Ella Diels, Isabelle S. Robert & Iris Schrijver
2022. The development of L2 sociolinguistic competence in translation trainees: an accommodation-based longitudinal study into the acquisition of sensitivity to grammatical (in)formality in English. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer 16:1 ► pp. 78 ff. DOI logo
Yang, Zhihong & Defeng Li
2021. Translation Competence Revisited: Toward a Pedagogical Model of Translation Competence. In Advances in Cognitive Translation Studies [New Frontiers in Translation Studies, ], ► pp. 109 ff. DOI logo
Olalla-Soler, Christian
2020. Measuring Trainee Translators’ Knowledge of German Culture. Design and Validation of a Cultural Declarative Knowledge Questionnaire. Meta 64:2 ► pp. 514 ff. DOI logo
De Marco, Marcella & Piero Toto
2019. The Future of Academia, Gender and Queer Pedagogy: Concluding Remarks. In Gender Approaches in the Translation Classroom, ► pp. 189 ff. DOI logo
Alves, Fabio & Amparo Hurtado Albir
2017. Evolution, Challenges, and Perspectives for Research on Cognitive Aspects of Translation. In The Handbook of Translation and Cognition, ► pp. 535 ff. DOI logo
Colina, Sonia & Claudia V. Angelelli
2015. T&I pedagogy in dialogue with other disciplines. Translation and Interpreting Studies ► pp. 1 ff. DOI logo
Colina, Sonia & Claudia V. Angelelli
2017. Translation and interpreting pedagogy in dialogue with other disciplines. In Translation and Interpreting Pedagogy in Dialogue with Other Disciplines [Benjamins Current Topics, 90], ► pp. 1 ff. DOI logo
Galán-Mañas, Anabel & Amparo Hurtado Albir
2015. Competence assessment procedures in translator training. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer 9:1 ► pp. 63 ff. DOI logo
Hurtado Albir, Amparo & Paul Taylor
2015. The Acquisition of Translation Competence. Competences, Tasks, and Assessment in Translator Training. Meta 60:2 ► pp. 256 ff. DOI logo
Lafeber, Anne
2012. Translation Skills and Knowledge – Preliminary Findings of a Survey of Translators and Revisers Working at Inter-governmental Organizations. Meta 57:1 ► pp. 108 ff. DOI logo
Künzli, Alexander
2009. Mossberg, Mari. 2006. La relation de concession. Étude contrastive de quelques connecteurs concessifs français et suédois. Target. International Journal of Translation Studies 21:1 ► pp. 180 ff. DOI logo
Künzli, Alexander
2009. Think-aloud Protocols – A Useful Tool for Investigating the Linguistic Aspect of Translation1. Meta 54:2 ► pp. 326 ff. DOI logo
Colina, Sonia
2008. Translation Quality Evaluation. The Translator 14:1 ► pp. 97 ff. DOI logo
Colina, Sonia
2009. Further evidence for a functionalist approach to translation quality evaluation. Target. International Journal of Translation Studies 21:2 ► pp. 235 ff. DOI logo
Peverati, Costanza, Michael Benis, Yong Zhong, Ana Paulina Peña Pollastri & Łukasz Kaczmarek
2008. Book Reviews. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer 2:2 ► pp. 253 ff. DOI logo
Li, Defeng
2000. Tailoring Translation Programs to Social Needs. Target. International Journal of Translation Studies 12:1 ► pp. 127 ff. DOI logo
Li, Defeng
2006. Making Translation Testing More Teaching-oriented: A Case Study of Translation Testing in China. Meta 51:1 ► pp. 72 ff. DOI logo
[no author supplied]
2017. Researching Translation Competence by PACTE Group [Benjamins Translation Library, 127], DOI logo

This list is based on CrossRef data as of 5 december 2025. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.

Mobile Menu Logo with link to supplementary files background Layer 1 prag Twitter_Logo_Blue