1. Introduction
"Translation ist eine Sondersorte des kommunikativen Handelns, welches kulturspezifisch ist. Ihr oberster Primat ist der funktionale Zweck. Die Skopostheorie sieht im Translat ein Informationsangebot in der Zielkultur über ein Informationsangebot aus einer Ausgangskultur. Wichtiger als die Nähe zwischen Ausgangs- und Zieltext ist die kulturspezifische Kohärenz des Translats."
This is an appropriate summary of what the functional translation theory according to Radegundis Stolze is about. In this paper I want to explain what the fundamental ideas are, how exactly this theory works and where some of its difficulties lie.
I will also show the theory of translation Nida and Taber developed originally to translate texts from the Bible, but that can be used in every situation. Because of this universality Nida and Taber’s theory of translation can be well compared to the functional translation theory as both consider function as a priority.
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION
2 THE FUNCTIONAL TRANSLATION THEORY
2.1 MODEL OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
2.1.1 Scenes – and Frames - Theory
2.1.2 The Skopos Theory
2.1.3 Factor-Model of Translation (Katharina Reiß)
3 THE NATURE OF TRANSLATION
3.1 LINGUISTIC FORMS
3.1.1 Reactions of the Receptors
3.1.2 Typical Circumstances
3.1.3 Problems of Translation are Analysed from the Standpoint of the Types of Audience
4 CONCLUSION
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this paper is to examine and compare the Functional Translation Theory, primarily developed by Katharina Reiß and Hans J. Vermeer, with the translation approach established by Eugene A. Nida and Charles R. Taber. The research investigates how these theories prioritize language function and situational context, while addressing the challenges posed by cultural differences and the requirement for equivalence in translation.
- Principles of the Functional Translation Theory and the Skopos theory
- The impact of cultural differences on the translation process
- Nida and Taber’s approach to translation as a message-reproducing act
- Methodological shifts from structural linguistics to pragmatics
- Criteria for achieving translation equivalence and intelligibility
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Model of Intercultural Communication
After having stated the general conditions and rules valid for the act of translating, a model of intercultural communication in outlined to make them universally applicable. The person (P) is a member of the society (G) and his/her behaviour is determined by the circumstances of time and place in which the person exists. These circumstances are: social circumstances (culture), outer circumstances (situation) and the inner, current disposition. P now wants to pass on the information to the receptor (R). In doing this P has a certain aim and he has to take R’s personal circumstances into account as he wants to make himself understood as completely as possible.
In case R belongs to another society or culture than P, P needs the help of a person who knows both cultures, the translator. He has to decide what should be communicated and how it should be done to make sure that the intended information is established. That means that the translator is the decisive factor and himself the agent (cf. Stolze 157-158).
Consequently a translation is realized as a transfer between different cultures. The text must be understood and it has to be interpreted in a certain situation. The translator has to be familiar with both cultures and he has to decide which parts of all the possible implications and interpretations he must take into consideration and which can be left out. What is translated is an offer of information in the receptor language and the receptor culture about an offer of information from the source language and the source culture. A verbatim translation is not possible because of the difference of cultures, and therefore it is necessary to try to reach an equivalent reproduction. That would imply that because of the cultural difference there is necessarily a difference of situations, which means that the “source” message is changed into a new “altered” receptor message.
Summary of Chapters
1 INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the functional purpose of translation and outlines the comparative approach between the Functional Translation Theory and the principles defined by Nida and Taber.
2 THE FUNCTIONAL TRANSLATION THEORY: This section discusses the pragmatic shift in translation studies, detailing the concepts of the Skopos theory, the role of intercultural communication, and the factor-model.
2.1 MODEL OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: This subsection explores how a translator acts as a bridge between different cultural and social backgrounds to ensure information transfer.
2.1.1 Scenes – and Frames - Theory: This part explains how mental images or 'scenes' are interpreted and expressed through linguistic 'frames' within a specific cultural context.
2.1.2 The Skopos Theory: This section defines the importance of the purpose, goal, and function of a translated text in relation to the source text.
2.1.3 Factor-Model of Translation (Katharina Reiß): This subsection provides an objective view on how various sociocultural factors influence the translator's decision-making process.
3 THE NATURE OF TRANSLATION: This chapter analyzes Nida and Taber’s perspective, focusing on the importance of reproducing the message and achieving equivalence over literal identity.
3.1 LINGUISTIC FORMS: This section addresses the challenges of maintaining meaning across languages that possess different verbal symbols and segmentations of experience.
3.1.1 Reactions of the Receptors: This part emphasizes the necessity of dynamic equivalence, where the target audience must understand and feel the message as the original audience did.
3.1.2 Typical Circumstances: This subsection examines practical difficulties in translation, such as the challenges of transferring oral forms, punctuation, and capitalization.
3.1.3 Problems of Translation are Analysed from the Standpoint of the Types of Audience: This part highlights the importance of adapting the translation to the specific needs and expectations of the intended readership.
4 CONCLUSION: This final chapter synthesizes the comparison, noting that while both theories prioritize function, the Functional Translation Theory places a heavier emphasis on the broader sociocultural context.
Keywords
Functional Translation Theory, Skopos Theory, Intercultural Communication, Equivalence, Linguistic Forms, Source Text, Receptor Text, Dynamic Equivalence, Pragmatics, Translation Studies, Cultural Difference, Katharina Reiß, Hans J. Vermeer, Eugene A. Nida, Charles R. Taber
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this academic paper?
The paper examines and compares the Functional Translation Theory with the traditional translation approach developed by Nida and Taber, focusing on how both prioritize the function and situation of the translated text.
What are the primary thematic fields discussed in the text?
The main themes include translation as an act of intercultural communication, the shift from structural to pragmatic linguistics, the concept of Skopos, and the pursuit of natural equivalence in translation.
What is the primary research goal of the work?
The research aims to explain the fundamental ideas of the Functional Translation Theory, demonstrate how it functions, identify its practical difficulties, and contrast it with the theory developed by Nida and Taber.
Which scientific methodology is applied in this study?
The work employs a comparative theoretical analysis, utilizing existing literature and established models (such as the Scenes-and-Frames theory and the Factor-Model) to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of different translation concepts.
What topics are covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body covers the theoretical basis of functionalism, the role of the translator as a cultural agent, the technical challenges of maintaining meaning (linguistic forms), and the importance of audience reception.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include Functional Translation Theory, Skopos, Intercultural Communication, Dynamic Equivalence, Translation Studies, and Pragmatics.
How does the author interpret the "Scenes-and-Frames" theory in a translation context?
The author explains it as a method where a translator must identify the mental 'scene' from the source culture and find the appropriate linguistic 'frame' to express it effectively in the target language.
What distinguishes the Functional Translation Theory from Nida and Taber’s approach according to the author?
The author concludes that while both prioritize function and situation, the Functional Translation Theory places a significantly greater emphasis on the sociocultural context and the interdependence of language and culture.
What is the significance of the "Skopos" in the context of this paper?
Skopos refers to the purpose or goal of the translation; the paper emphasizes that the function of the target text does not always need to be identical to the source, provided it remains coherent.
- Citar trabajo
- Kathrin Ehlen (Autor), 2005, Functional Translation Theory Compared to an Older Version, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/196507
