Translation Studies: A Paradigm Shift From Subjectivity To Intersubjectivity

The issue of subjectivity and intersubjectivity has gradually attracted great attention of translation theorists and therefore has become the hot topic of discussion in translation studies. Starting from the present status quo concerning subjectivity and intersubjectivity, this dissertation takes the philosophical turn from subjectivity to intersubj ectivity as the cornerstone to expound the predicaments and dilemmas of subjectivity by means of taking the evolution of three paradigms of translation studies as a clue . In addition, this thesis also explores the meaning of intersubj ectivity of translation and the constructive roles of intersubjective theory for translation studiesThe thesis argues that the current status quo on subjectivity research has not moved beyond the fetters of individual subjectivity, and has not taken paradigm shift from subjectivity to intersubj ectivity in real sense. The successive paradigm shifts from author-centered through text-centered finally translator-centered indicate a history of replacement of one center with another. The development of subjectivity of the author and the translator has experienced a tremendous shift going from one extreme to another. The role and status of the author of SL text is the concrete embodiment of narrow individualism as well as part of anthropocentrism. Dominated by the text-oriented paradigm, the translator's subjective initiative and creativity is inevitably suppressed and obscured. Since the meaning of the text rests on the structure of language , structuralism removes both the author and the translator, sending subjects into "prison-house of language"; on the contrary, the translator-oriented paradigm overemphasizes the subjectivity of the translator. As the consequence, the study of subjectivity has fallen into the predicament and lost its strength. The constructive roles of intersubjective theory for translation studies lie in four aspects: 1) methodology shift of translation studies from epistemology to understanding; 2) The transcending over the metaphysical thinking characterized by binary opposition; 3) Contribution to the establishment of translatology as a synthetic disciple; 4) interrelationship between translation components interpreted by the theory, of intersubj ectivity.