Denroche, C. 2013. A Metonymic Theory of Translation. 3rd International Conference on Meaning Construction - Meaning Interpretation: Applications and Implications (CRAL 13). University of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain 20 Jul 2013
| Title | A Metonymic Theory of Translation |
|---|---|
| Authors | Denroche, C. |
| Type | Conference paper |
| Abstract | In this paper, I present a METONYMIC THEORY OF TRANSLATION. I argue that the work of the translator is concerned more with the processing of metonymic equivalents between the source and target language than the literal one-to-one substitution of linguistic items. Categories between languages rarely correspond exactly and the relationship between source and target text is rarely metaphorical; instead, it is the middle ground of near approximations and partial overlaps which best describes translation. I consider the contribution from the translation-studies literature of ‘shift’ theory (eg Catford 1965, Vinay & Darbelnet 1995[1958]) and schemes for solving problems created by conventional metaphor (eg Baker 2011, Broeck 1981, Dagut 1976, Newmark 1982). I reinterpret the notion of ‘shift’ in terms of metonymy and re-characterize figurative language as far more than an occasional obstacle around idioms, but rather a universal enabler and the basis of translation itself. I demonstrate, using original data, that metonymic processing is involved both in writing first drafts (termed ‘interlingual translation’ by Jakobson (2004 [1959])) and in producing final versions through revision (‘intralingual translation’ (Jakobson ibid)). The METONYMIC THEORY OF TRANSLATION presented here is grounded in a more general theory of metonymy, in which the cognitive ability to recognize part-whole relations between signs and parts of signs plays a vital role right across the spectrum of linguistic phenomena. I end the paper by suggesting that the lens of metonymy is also a useful tool for understanding knowledge by allowing us to integrate partial truths into unified wholes and resolve differences between competing theories. Baker, M. 2011. In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. 2nd edition. London: Routledge. |
| Keywords | metonymy, metonymic processing, metaphor, translation, shift theory |
| Year | 2013 |
| Conference | 3rd International Conference on Meaning Construction - Meaning Interpretation: Applications and Implications (CRAL 13) |