On The Identity Of Translated Texts

No translated texts (TTs) produced by professional translators can be evaluated as absolutely"good"or"bad"without considering certain social-cultural contexts. Therefore, this paper hypothesizes that any TTs produced by professional translators should be regarded as unique individuals and assume dynamic identity. To demonstrate this hypothesis, traditional translation studies are criticized and Descriptive Translation Studies (DTS) is introduced. Based on some further discussions on DTS, this paper puts forward a general model for the description and prediction of the dynamic identity of the TTs. Then it provides an exemplification for the application of this model, using 11 English versions of Li Bai's Jingyesi, one of the most famous High Tang poems, for a case study. Throughout the paper the readers cannot find any useful suggestions or principles for translators to improve their translation skills. Fearing that those who prejudice against translation theory may question the usefulness of the model presented in this paper, the present author has answered in the Conclusion part two questions that constantly trouble translation theorists: 1) Is translation an art or a science? 2) What is the use of translation theory? He hopes that the usefulness of the general model can be clearly seen from his own answers to the two questions.