NAT: Translation Theories - 2

This series of 3 seminars* on translation theory seeks to introduce basic notions of theory for practising professional translators. The series takes a chronological approach starting with an overview of the early origins of theory in different geographical and cultural contexts and how these theories underpin current perspectives on translation. Subsequent sessions examine linguistic and functional theories and finish by examining process models of translation and translator competence. Discussions will focus on understanding the theories presented, the purpose of theory generally and how it relates to practice.

Seminar 1 - Introduction 13th June 2020 (Delivered)

In the first seminar, we start by examining the discipline of translation studies and the relevance of theory, then shift our focus to the early theories in different geographical and cultural contexts. We complete the seminar with a reflection on source text/target text correspondence as the basis for examining the linguistic theories of the mid 20th century in the seminar.

Seminar 2 - Equivalence Theories & Practical Applications 11th July 2020

In the second seminar, we review, expand on and critique linguistic theories and examine the concept of equivalence in more depth. We touch on contrastive and comparative perspectives, componential analysis and translation shifts. We finish by discussing the relevance of these different theories to practitioners.

Seminar 3 - Functional Theories & Practical Applications 8th August 2020 (Registration to open later)

In the third seminar, we examine the translation process starting with functional theories; text-type analysis, skopos theory, translation-oriented text-analysis and translation quality assessment. We will also explore some empirically tested models of translation process and translator competence.

Presenter