Translation Studies: A Constructivist Perspective

Author: Lü Jun, Hou Xiangqun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: The translation studies within the paradigm of literary studies carry a mystical quality, failing to provide us with a coefficient system of translation theory. Structuralist linguistic theory helps people fundamentally recognize the linguistic basis that makes translation activities possible. Deconstruction, with its critical spirit of negation and reflection, points out the flaws of structuralism and promotes the diversification of translation studies. However, the deconstructive paradigm of translation studies lacks rationality and practical orientation, as it does not focus on any specific textual research, thus lacking methodological significance.
The constructivist translation studies aim to return to the ontology of translation and rebuild the knowledge system of translation ontology. It rethinks a series of fundamental questions and points out that the philosophical foundation of constructivist translation studies is practical philosophy, the epistemological foundation is broad epistemology, the ethical foundation is communicative rationality, truth is consensual truth, and the linguistic foundation is speech act theory. Therefore, the research paradigm of constructivist translation studies exhibits characteristics different from those of the past, primarily open-endedness, practicality, sociality, and a research model of "clear main branches and rich diversity."
This book mainly introduces scientific thinking about translation studies, reflections and critiques of existing translation research paradigms, the knowledge base of constructivist translation studies, constructivist translation studies, translation ethics, and more.