The Importance of Professional Knowledge in Translation

Sun Shun-Chih

doi:10.4236/oalib.1101331

Home > Journals > Biomedical & Life Sciences | Business & Economics > OALibJ

Open Access Library Journal > Vol.2 No.3, March 2015

The Importance of Professional Knowledge in Translation ()

Sun Shun-Chih

Department of Translation and Interpretation Studies, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Chinese Taipei.

DOI: 10.4236/oalib.1101331 PDF HTML XML 1,354 Downloads 2,476 Views Citations

Abstract

The purposes of this paper are firstly, to point out the importance of professional knowledge in translation; and secondly, to stimulus scholars for further research. The Professional theory of Translation is the current tendency for translators. The translators had better have professional knowledge and ability for the translation fields, such as Modern China, Laws and Politics, Finance and Economy, Mass Media, Science and Technology, Environment, and even Ballroom Dancing in each respect so as to be competent in translation. Professional translation is here meant by: translation as an academic discipline; translation as interdisciplinary; and translation as a profession. The development of Translation theories can be divided into four periods: 1) The Period of Literature theory of Translation, 2) The Period of Linguistics Theory of Translation, 3) The Period of Culture Theory of Translation, and 4) The Period of Professional Theory of Translation. During the Period of Literature theory of Translation, Translators paid special attention to the art and aesthetics of translation. During the Period of Linguistics theory of Translation, translators paid attention to the transfer of grammar, then to the language meaning, and finally to pragmatic linguistics. During the Period of Culture theory of Translation, translators paid special emphasis on the transfer of cultural messages with debates on authors-centered Domestication Translation strategy and readers-centered Foreignization Translation strategy with balance between them. And during the Period of Professional theory of Translation, translators paid special attention to the acquirement and application of professional knowledge and ability.

Keywords

Professional Translation, Translation Theories, Linguistic Theory, Academic Discipline

Share and Cite:

Shun-Chih, S. (2015) The Importance of Professional Knowledge in Translation. Open Access Library Journal, 2, 1-6. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1101331.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Baker, M. (1992) In Other Words—A Coursebook on Translation. Routledge, London and New York, 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9780203327579
[2]	Cook, G. (2010) Translation in Language Teaching: An Argument for Reassessment. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
[3]	Gonzalez-Davies, M. (2004) Multiple Voices in the Translation Classroom: Activities, Tasks and Project. John Benjamins Publishing Co., Amsterdam, 14-15.
[4]	Nida, E. (2001) Context in Translation. John Benjamins Publishing Co., Amsterdam, 1, 3, 108-113, 109, 111, 108-109.
[5]	Gentzler, E. (2001) Contemporary Translation Theories. Multi Lingual Matters Ltd, Clevedon, 187, 203.
[6]	Snell-Hornby, M. (2006) The Turns of Translation Studies: New Paradigm or Shifting Viewpoints. John Benjamins Publishing Co., Amsterdam, 104. http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/btl.66
[7]	Pym, A. (2014) Exploring Translation Theories. Routledge, London & New York.
[8]	Venuti, L. (1995) The Translator’s Invisibility: A History of Translation. Routledge, London & New York, 1-2.
[9]	Munday, J. (2001) Introducing Translation Studies. Routledge, London & New York, 1.
[10]	Lan, Y., Dong, D. and Chiu, A. (2009) Research Trend and Methods in Translation Studies: A Comparison between Taiwanese and International Publications. Compilation and Translation Review, 2, 177.
[11]	Bassnett, S. (1998) The Translation Turn in Culture Studies. In: Bassnett, S. and Lefevere, A., Eds., Construction Cultures (123-140), Multi Lingual Matters Ltd., Clevedon, 138-139.
[12]	Bassnett, S. (2002) Translation Studies. Rutledge, London & New York, 2-3.
[13]	Sarceive, S. (1994) Translation and the Law: An Interdisciplinary Approach. In: Snell-Hornby, M., Pöchhacker, F. and Kaindl, K., Eds., Translation Studies: An Inter-Discipline, John Benjamins Publishing Co., Amsterdam, 302-305.
[14]	www.naati.com.au .
[15]	Nida, E.A. and Taber, C.R. (2004) The Theory and Practice of Translation. Foreign Language Educational Press, Shanghai.
[16]	Ch’ai, T., et al. (1957) Hsin-hai Ko-ming (The 1911 Revolution). Shanghai, Vol. 8: 183.
[17]	Ch’en, J. (1972) Yuan Shih-k’ai. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California, 102.
[18]	Teng, S. and Ingalls, J. (1956) Translated and Edited, The Political History of China 1840-1928. D.Van Nostrand Company, Inc., Toronto, 267.
[19]	Sun, S. (2010) Chang Chien’s Role in the North-South Negotiation 1911-1912. Journal of Chang Jung Christian University, 14, 77-78.