In fact, this question is raised by a student. Our study materials for translation include both theoretical and practical considerations. The question is "do we need to theoretical considerations to be professional translators or suffice it to focus on the practical side as well as reading successful translations? Students think that the theoretical considerations are waste of time and sometimes they get lost in those philosophical discussions of translation scholars. What do you think?
I would say that some translation theories are generalised from translation practices in the past while practices in the present and future can follow and consolidate previous experiences knowledge or even subvert and iterate theories. Theories and practices are never changeless but in a dynamic co-existing manner. I would suggest students learn and find some basic mainstream theories they are interested in and have an awareness when doing translation practices. They can also be nurtured to have a spirit of challenging theories, if possible. Even, if you are interested in how theories shape and influence students' translating behaviours or decision-making, things like that, you can also read some studies or do some research in this regard.
If the theory isn't practical, then it's not good theory. As Prof Graham Turner says, "there's nothing as practical as good theory." How about following the line of thinking suggested by Anthony Pym and viewing theory as simply a description of the patterns translators see when solving real problems. Starting from problems and asking honestly how different theoretical approaches (functionalism, discourse analysis, deconstruction etc) can help not only improves engagement with theory but should lead to better practice too. If they need to see worked examples, there are some good examples of theory being applied to interpreting practice in my two books and in Exploring Translation Theories by Anthony Pym.
Just as you can be a good musical performer without knowing music theory, so fluent bilinguals can be a good translators without knowing translation theory, especially if --as you suggest-- they study the work of experienced translators.
However, there are advantages in knowing some theory. First it helps you understand what you are doing. Second it enables you to explain to others --clients for instance-- why you are doing it. And third it entitles you to a university degree and not just a professional certification.
But the theory should be well taught. I found the best way was to give my students small research tasks to do, either singly or as a team.
Both theoretical and practical translation are necessary in the process of translation.
Thanks a lot dear colleagues for your contributions. Waiting for others to contribute.
Hi Yasir. I would like to share a situation in China. Master's degree students in the field of translation or interpretation are classified into two kinds: Academic Master and Professional Master. The latter degree is called MTI, Master of Translation and Interpretation. Students of the Academic Master of translation focus on the theories of translation and they are encouraged to do the research work on translation and interpretation, while the MTIs are expected to be trained as a good translater or interpreter so they focus more on the practice of translation and interpretation.
They both go hand in hand. When translation started as practical experience, there was no theory but as the practice progressed, translators began to put their experiences down, in the form of problems and difficulties encountered and how they were able to surmount them. These experiences have helped, over time, on-coming translators to apprehend their problems and difficulties. A good amateur translator will be interested in the theory of translation and see how and when other translators were able to solve their problems.
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