Conclusion

This discussion about shifts and equivalence continue even in contemporary translation theories. Equivalence can also be seen as the ultimate goal of a translation. Jose Ortega y Gasset calls this the “misery” of translation which he calls essentially a “utopian task” (Venuti 49). Gasset terms it utopian because “each language is a different equation of statements and silences” and cannot hope to attain perfect equivalence (57) But, as is shown by the multiplicity of translations and translators, the quest continues to attain that chimerical state of perfect equivalence.

Assignments

1.What are the various ways in which equivalence can be attained?

2. Select a text in your mother-tongue and translate it into another language. Which method would you adopt to attain equivalence and why?

References

Catford, J. C. “Translation Shifts”. The Translation Studies Reader. Ed. Lawrence Venuti. London: Routledge, 2000: 141 – 148.

Gasset, Jose Ortega y. “The Misery and Splendor of Translation”. The Translation Studies Reader. Ed. Lawrence Venuti. London: Routledge, 2000: 49 – 65.

Nida, Eugene. “Principles of Correspondence”. The Translation Studies Reader. Ed. Lawrence Venuti. London: Routledge, 2000: 126 – 141.

Vinay, Jean Paul and Jean Darbelnet. “A Methodology for Translation”. The Translation Studies Reader. Ed. Lawrence Venuti. London: Routledge, 2000: 84 – 95.