The Position And Positioning Of The Translator In Literary Translation

In translation studies, one of the fundamental questions is how to define the translator's role. In spite of the traditionally assumed role of the translator, this thesis intends to propose a relatively new concept of 'translator's positioning' as against 'translator's subjectivity', which is basically defined as a dynamic process in which the translator consciously puts himself/herself in a particular position, to redefine the role and position of translator in literary translation. Two principal questions are researched: what is the appropriate position of the translator in literary translation? And how does the translator position himself/ herself in the actual translation process? In order to resolve the two questions, the author makes attempts to explore major factors influencing translator's positioning as well as manifestations of translator's positioning early from selections of translation materials, employment of translation strategies to the final product of translation. The thesis holds that there are generally three major positions for the translator in literary translation: a cultural communicator, a real literary rewriter, and a mediator, which will help justify the translator's subjectivity, creativity, and authorship in the process of translation.