The Hermeneutics of Translation: A Translator's Competence and the Philosophy of Hans-Georg Gadamer

This book explores the concept of a translator's competence from the perspective of Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics, developing a theory of a translator's hermeneutic competences and delving into Gadamers reflections on understanding, history, text, and interpretation. It demonstrates that translation studies and hermeneutics are more complementary than initially thought.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

This groundbreaking monograph is the first to explore the concept of a translator's competence from the perspective of Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics, a field that has yet to receive rigorous critical attention from both translatologists and philosophers. The primary objective of the study is to not only portray diverse conceptualizations of translation as rooted in Hans-Georg Gadamer's philosophy of understanding but also to develop a comprehensive theory of a translator's hermeneutic competences, a novel approach that distinguishes itself from the prevailing trends and tendencies in modern translation studies. Furthermore, the monograph delves into Gadamer's profound reflections on understanding, history, text, and interpretation. Ultimately, this monograph demonstrates that translation studies and hermeneutics are more complementary than initially perceived upon closer examination.

Introduction:
The translation industry has witnessed significant growth and evolution in recent years, driven by advancements in technology, global interconnectedness, and the increasing demand for cultural exchange. However, despite these developments, the notion of a translator's competence has remained relatively under-explored in the academic discourse. This monograph aims to rectify this gap by examining the concept of a translator's competence from the perspective of Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics, a framework that offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the interpretive process.

Theoretical Framework:
Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of dialogue and the hermeneutic circle in understanding. According to Gadamer, the interpretive process involves a continuous interplay between the text and the interpreter, where the interpreter's prior knowledge and experiences shape their interpretation of the text. Gadamer's philosophy emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inherent limitations of one's own perspective and the need for openness to the otherness of the text.

Conceptualization of Translation:
In the context of Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics, translation is seen as a complex and multifaceted process that involves the transfer of meaning from one language and culture to another. Different translators may have different conceptualizations of translation based on their philosophical orientations and cultural backgrounds. The study aims to explore these conceptualizations and develop a comprehensive theory of a translator's hermeneutic competences.

Translator's Hermeneutic Competences:
To develop a theory of a translator's hermeneutic competences, the study will examine the various aspects of translation, including the source text, the target language, and the cultural context. The translator's hermeneutic competences will be defined as the ability to interpret the source text in its cultural and historical context, to understand the nuances of the target language, and to convey the meaning of the source text in a way that is faithful to the intentions of the author.

Gadamer's Reflections on Understanding, History, Text, and Interpretation:
Gadamer's philosophy encompasses a wide range of topics, including understanding, history, text, and interpretation. The study will explore Gadamer's reflections on these topics and how they can be applied to the practice of translation. Gadamer emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of the text, the role of the interpreter in the interpretive process, and the significance of dialogue in the construction of meaning.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this monograph aims to contribute to the field of translation studies by exploring the concept of a translator's competence from the perspective of Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics. The study will provide a comprehensive theory of a translator's hermeneutic competences and shed light on the importance of dialogue, openness, and cultural sensitivity in the translation process. By examining the relationship between translation and hermeneutics, this monograph will demonstrate that translation studies and hermeneutics are more complementary upon closer inspection than one could think.

Weight: 419g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631825921
Edition number: New ed