Herder's Translation Theory, Its Sources And Influence

Johann Gottfried Herder (1744—1803) is an influential figure in the periods of German Enlightenment and Romanticism. He is regarded as a great philosopher, ideologist and linguist. Despite this recognition for him, he, as a translation theorist, hasn't got enough attention in the academic circle. Herder has translated some of Shakespeare's plays and a large number of classic literary works of ancient Greece, Rome and other countries. Based on his philosophy of language, he puts forward an innovative theory of translation, promoting the development of translation theory and practice in Germany and leaving behind a magnificent page in the history of western translation.The paper has its title formed from the sources and influence of Herder's translation theory. By employing such research methods as analysis of historical materials, induction-deduction, influence research, contrast research, and etc, the paper has it as its purpose to present a clear picture of Herder's translation theory and his contributions to German and western translation theory.To begin with, the paper briefly introduces Herder's life, works and theoretical and historical backgrounds,followed by the systematic description of Herder's translation theory with the purpose of exploring its features and connotations. In the third chapter, the paper depicts the philosophical sources where Herder's translation theory originates. Chapter four expounds the influence of Herder's translation theory on his contemporary translation theorists with the illustration of his impact on Humboldt and Schleiermacher. The paper comes to the conclusion that Herder's translation theory is unique and distinct and that his philosophical thoughts have provided the theoretical depth to his translation theory, making it possible for his translation theory to exert an enduring and widespread impact on his successors.