The Translator’s Subjectivity And The Liberty Of Translation

Since the focus of translation studies has been shifted to the elements of culture, thereare more and more scholars starting their researches on translation beyond the languages.The element of “humans” serves as the principal participant, then their subjectivity cannotbe neglected. As the main subject of the translation, translators must give the full play oftheir subjectivity to fulfill the translation task. However, there are many factors limitingtheir subjectivity. Translators are bestowed with the rights of choice and liberty, sodifferent styles and inclination can be found in different translation works. Then this kindof liberty is not realized without limitation. There is always a compromise to be reachedbetween faithfulness and recreation.After the comprehension of the translator’s subjectivity, the thesis the thesis drawsboth the upper and the lower limits for the liberty of translation, thus providing a guidelinefor translators. Then it proceeds to discuss the element of “liberty” in the translation fromthe aspects of emotion, cultural inclination, and cultural identification of translators.Finally, the analysis of the limits to translators’ subjectivity comes before their initiativebecomes active. Although there are several limits for translators, they are also the ‘catalyst’to spur translators in terms of handling the untranslatability.