Translating Text and Context: Translation Studies and Systemic Functional Linguistics. Volume 1: Translation Theory

This book, the first of a two-volume work, aims at offering a particular perspective on the theory of translation, that of the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), which, we believe, can prove valuable for the study of a phenomenon that we consider “[…] a complex linguistic, socio-cultural and ideological practice” (Hatim & Munday 2004: 330). The book is essentially rooted in the following beliefs: (1) in translation, there is an essential interplay between theory and practice; (2) TS is necessarily an interdiscipline, drawing on many different disciplines, with a linguistic core; (3) SFL can offer a model for translating language and culture, text and context; (4) a model of translation can be valid for a wide range of text-types, from popularizing to specialized, and also literary. Thus, we move from the strong belief that translation theory is relevant to translators’ problems, and not only for academic purposes, but also to the practice of a professional translator, since it can “[…] offer a set of conceptual tools [that] can be thought of as aids for mental problem-solving” (Chesterman, in Chesterman & Wagner 2002: 7). Secondly, we recognise that TS is an interdiscipline and do not deny the multiple insights it provides the theory of translation, especially after the so-called “cultural turn” which occurred in TS at the end of the Eighties. At the same time, we hold that linguistics in particular has much to offer the study of translation. Moreover, we argue that culturally-oriented and linguistically-oriented approaches to translation “[...] are not necessarily mutually exclusive alternatives” (Manfredi 2007: 204). On the contrary, we posit that the inextricable link between language and culture can even be highlighted by a linguistic model that views language as a social phenomenon, indisputably embedded in culture, like that of SFL. As is typical (see, e.g., Shuttleworth & Cowie 1997: 181), we focus our study on written translation and, according to R. Jakobson’s typology, on “Interlingual Translation”, or “translation proper” only (Jakobson 1959/2000). After an attempt at answering such basic, but always challenging, questions as: “What is translation?” and “What is Translation Studies?”, a description of TS in terms of the way it has evolved into an interdisciplinary field is provided. Then, within this framework, the book moves to the assumption that linguistic studies, which offered the first systematic enquiry of the emerging discipline, can still be considered the fundamental core. In particular, we attempt to propose the SFL approach as a viable and valid contribution to these studies. Some key terms and concepts in TS are introduced, such as the notions of ‘Equivalence’ and of ‘The Unit of Translation’. M.A.K. Halliday’s own contribution to the theory of translation is presented, along with some of the key names in the discipline of TS who base certain aspects of their theoretical approach on the SFL framework, like J.C. Catford and, for select issues, also P. Newmark. Then, theories proposed by contemporary translation scholars working firmly in an SFL perspective are illustrated, from B. Hatim and I. Mason to J. House. Translating Text and Context hopes to meet its goal of offering the benefits that, we believe, a theoretical approach and a metalinguistic reflection can give to the practice of translation.