Theory of Translation Studies: Do We Have It? Do We Need It?

Authors

• Ljuba Tarvi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61200/mikael.145947

Abstract

This paper argues that, as an academic discipline, translation studies can hardly claim to have theory. Instead, the theoretical situation in this field can be described as an expanding conglomeration of various conceptual paradigms by at least three reasons to be specified below. To this end, translation studies are considered in a broad association with two closely related disciplines of a longer research history – linguistics and literary studies – which translation studies are sharing the majority of their paradigms with. Suggestions as to how to accommodate translation theory into the relevant university curricula are made by following Holmes’ differentiation between foreign-language teaching and translator training, as well as by introducing the notion of Translation Industry.