Interpretative Translation Theory and Its Evaluation by Russian and Foreign Translators and Translation Studies Scholars

Abstract

This article analyzes the current status of the interpretative translation theory, which, compared to other translation theories, does not study the result of translation, with its dependence on multiple factors, but instead focuses on the process of translation, which does not differ depending on the language and remains the same for all types of translation and text types. The authors draw attention to the evaluation of this theory by various translation schools: French school, where the theory is universally acknowledged and accepted, taking into account the fact that this school is represented by E.S.I.T. (High School of Interpretation and Translation, Paris, France) graduates; former French colonies, where the French language has lost its influence but remains demanded in science and education (for instance, Vietnam), Canadian (English-speaking) and Russian translation schools. This work outlines the ambiguous attitude to the interpretative translation theory by many leading Russian scholars; certain discrepancies in its understanding by Canadian translation studies specialists, who pay more attention to translation issues and partially depart from the main principles of the interpretative theory. Besides, it studies the works of researchers from other countries, who have written their articles in English. The article analyzes both theoretical approaches and attitude to the interpretative translation theory of practicing translators and interpreters and provides their evaluation of this theory as a regularly applied translation technology.

Keywords

• translation theory
• interpretative theory
• translation studies
• professional discourse
• evaluation
• culture translation
• cultural transfer