Translation Theory as a Theory of Transformations

The process of translation is an inter language transformation, it is the transformation of a text written in one language into the text written in another. Linguistic theory of translation aims at constructing a definite translation process model, some scientific scheme, which more or less exactly reflects the existing issues of the given process.

Translation theory (TT) is not called upon considering every single correlation between the texts of SL and TL, but only the routine, typical correlations, repeated on a regular basis. But apart from these phenomena in comparative analysis of both texts, usually a great many correlations or relations emerge — single and irregular, peculiar for a specific case.

These “irregular” correlations represent the most embarrassing complications in the translation practice. In the ability to find individual variants, single and “not foreseen” by the theory, there is a creative character of interpretation activity. On the other hand, in the development of the TT many phenomena of the kind, that at first are considered as individual and irregular, gradually “blend” into a general picture, obtain explanation and are included into the objective consideration of the TT. In other words, the same way as in any other science, the translation process consists, specifically, of the fact, that behind the multitudes of the imaginary, fictitious exceptions and irregularities some regularity, pattern, rule, some general conformity to natural laws, which controls them and determines their character are gradually revealed. Therefore the translation process may be regarded as an art and just mechanical arts, mere occupation and handicraft.

Translation is the process of transformation of any spoken or written text in one language into the text in another preserving invariable, unchanged meaning of the text. Still, we may talk about the invariable or unchanged meaning or content, its safety and maintenance only in a relative, not absolute sense. During language transformation (as well as during any other transformation) inevitable losses take place, i.e. the full translation of meanings, expressed in original text is impossible. Hence, sometimes a translated text can not be totally and absolutely equivalent to the original one. The task of a translator is to try and do the best to make this equivalence more precise and allow minimum losses.

We should keep in mind that in the translation the most essential thing is the equivalence of the meanings, and not of isolated words or even isolated sentences, the equivalence of the entire text translated.