Exploring Translation Theories

by Anthony Pym

Exploring Translation Theories presents a comprehensive analysis of the key traditional and contemporary paradigms of translation theory.



The book builds on Western theories of translation, starting with a survey of the classical twentieth-century linguistic approaches before moving on to more recent models such as cultural translation. Each central paradigm and its associated theories are addressed in turn, including equivalence, purpose, description, uncertainty, localisation and cultural translation. Readers are encouraged to explore the various theories and consider their strengths and implications for translation today and in the future. The book closes with a survey of the way translation is used as a model in postmodern cultural studies and sociologies, extending the scope beyond traditional Western notions.



Each chapter includes a wealth of material for readers, including key concepts, an introduction outlining the main points, illustrative examples with translations, a chapter summary, and discussion points and exercises.



Exploring Translation Theories uses numerous examples from a range of languages, although knowledge of no language other than English is assumed. With a wealth of tasks and activities, it will be ideal both for classroom and self-study use. This comprehensive and highly engaging book is designed for students studying Translation Theory in Translation Studies and Applied Linguistics programmes.

A companion website for this book can be found at http: //www.tinet.org/ apym/publications/ETT/index.html, with tasks, activities, video summaries and interviews.

Genres: Nonfiction, Language, Linguistics, Academia, College, Academic

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[সালমান হক · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one surprisingly good. Yet to know a lot.

[Melis Sönmez · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, according to Pym; functionalist studies, descriptive studies, cultural studies, epistemology, skepticism, Heisenberg, Plato, Chomsky, Derrida, scent of flowers, our existence, the meaning of life, everyone, everything you can imagine is somehow related to equivalence. Ignoring this creepy obsession, this book will be useful to give you a basic idea about translation theories.

[Roos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite a useful book on translation theories. I'm not giving it a 5/5 rating for a couple of reasons. I'm not sure I believe in separating theory from practice so much in the field of translation. I also don't like the fact that everything HAS to relate back to the concept of equivalence, while I can see how that concept is central to the discipline. I can also see there has to be a red thread, but sometimes this one feels rather artificial and far-fetched.

I like the book, however, because I do believe discussion of individual (subconscious) translation theories might be simplified by the terms and concepts explained in this book. The theories are also related to each other rather neatly, for example in chapter 4 where Pym shows the reader how in Skopos theory or at least theorisation focused on purpose of the target text, many theorists use dichotomies that can be compared to each other with quite some ease. This makes the whole mass of information more accessible and easier to grasp for a relative newbie like myself.

[Babsidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book on theory, it was pretty good. Pym brings a fair amount of snark to his extremely loquacious explanations of translation (and other questionably related) theory. His ending every chapter rebutting common criticisms of each theory brings a refreshing look to everything.

Still, I'd rather spend my time making translations than arguing whether or not the uncertainty of translation should be considered a proper paradigm or not. The things people theorize about. Seriously.

[Anthony Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

nearly perfect

As an introduction, survey, and synthesis of current theories at work in the translation world, I can’t imagine a better textbook. Clear and with a wealth of examples and comparative, synthetic analysis.

[ane]

atomarxculoya

[Lexa Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew I'd signed my own death warrant when I applied and got into this Master's but I guess one has to face the consequences of one's own decisions...

[CORSAK fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, this book has been a lifesaver for the independent study class I'm taking. Lots of good info / history is covered here (with a sprinkle of drama that has occurred between a few of the folks being written about, always a favorite.)

I had to sit on this one a bit before typing up this review. Ergo, a lot to say here.

I understand why equivalence is a core component of translation. I understand why it is important. I don't understand why Anthony seems to like it so much. It kind of baffles me, but this is just my opinion. It's concerning in the same way that Chomskyans and generativists are still existing in 2025 is concerning to me, but live and let live. I'll just question them from a distance.

Moving on, he gives great explanations and doesn't try to write to make himself sound smart (a huge plus, especially when academic books are already dense enough on their own without deliberate, flowery complications to boost the author's ego.)

One thing I liked a lot is he brought up counterpoints / arguments at the end of each chapter. I found this very enriching. Also, the exercises given for thought / practice were thought-provoking/stimulating.

Something I'm not sure I agree with entirely is separating translation theory from translation in practice. In the beginning of the book, it's mentioned that translators theorize all the time for work by default, since you need to constantly come up with / justify / swap between ideas. So why theorize and then spend time detaching from that very process? That didn't make much sense to me.

Very well-written book about translation theories / methods / history.

[Martes martes]

(Leído en inglés.) De los ocho capítulos, leí seis para un curso sobre traducción y tecnologías.

Realiza un recorrido por las distintas teorías que han sido de importancia histórica para el desarrollo de los Estudios de Traducción: los paradigmas de la equivalencia natural y direccional, las teorías funcionalistas y del Skopos, los estudios descriptivos y la traducción cultural.

[Vitor Machado · Rating 4 out of 5]

VUma leitura robusta introdutória. Não é um livro casual, ele exige dedicação foco e muita consulta paralela.

[Amy Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad to have read this book, but might not have made it through if it were not a textbook for a class. The distance between translation theory and practice often frustrated me.

[Utku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Günümüzde hâlâ çeviribilimin tartışma konusu olan eşdeğerlik konusu hakkında yazılmış kapsamlı ve kuramlara eleştirel yaklaşan bir kitap.

[A. H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

muy maja pero no me liaría