Derrida's Deconstructionism And View On Meaning In Translation Studies

Jacques Derrida, one of the leading figures of the Deconstructionist Movement, reflected on and criticized, through his theory, the western thoughts and culture that date back to the ancient Greek times. Deconstructionist theories have had a sensational effect on such fields of humanity studies as philosophy, literature, aesthetics, etc. As a new-born discipline relating closely to these fields, translation studies are in every sense affected by it.This thesis starts by discussing meaning in translation process, and applies deconstructionist theory to analyze the weak points of conventional views on meaning. By comparing with and commenting on different translation practices, we elaborate our deconstructionist view on meaning in translation in two aspects: subject and objectChapter one tries to introduce the main ideas of Derrida's deconstructionist theory and point out the impact it has on conventional views on meaning in translation. Two factors are of great importance to the transfer of meaning in translation process: One is the text, the other is the translator. Derrida has provided us with a new perspective on meaning that becomes more open and dynamic rather than relatively closed and static in the conventional views.In Chapter Two and Chapter Three, we make comparison between three Chinese versions ofShakespeare's well-known play Hamlet. Chapter Two concentrates on the text as object. Examples are taken to show the uncertainty of interior and exterior of symbols and of the whole language system. This uncertainty of meaning gives birth to openness of the source text as well as different kinds of target texts complementary to one another. Chapter Three focuses on the translator by discussing his task and mission in the course of meaning transfer. He ought to try his utmost to embody the differences between the source text and the target text, and between the two cultures. Based on this, he should maintain an equal and dialogic relationship with the author and demonstrates his creativity by showing respect to the author.To sum up, in the course of meaning transfer, the text and the translator are always keeping a communicative and dynamic connection. The meaning of the source text, through translation practice of the translator, will experience differance. In the meantime, the translator takes advantage of openness of the text to create new versions of the source text and ultimately fulfill his task and mission.