On Est E-C Translation In Perspective Of Constructivist Translation Theory

With the boom of Chinese international communications and the authority ofEnglish in international business, EST translation has claimed its significanceconfidently. However, the fundamental theory of translation of EST fails to keep neckin neck with the development of translation practice, especially in China domestically.Constructivist translation theory takes translation as a process of reconstructionof knowledge; it puts the top priority on the objectivity of knowledge in texts,demands translators’ reasonable understanding and valid interpretation for the logicblanks in the source texts, and thinks translation should cater to the reading habits oftarget reader. Sci-tech texts are information-based and cover a wide scope of sub-fields.Translation of EST claims the accuracy and efficiency in information transferring.This indicates the feasibility of applying constructivist translation theory on EST.This research proposes specific constructivist principles for EST translation asfollows:(1) obedience to objective knowledge,(2) rationality in understanding thesci-tech source texts and validity in interpretation, and (3) conformity to thedirectionality of EST texts. With a thorough understanding of these principles throughanalyzing Habermas’s theory of communicative act, the author raises constructivistapproaches as follows:(1) reviewing the texts utilizing objective knowledge,(2)locating terms accurately,(3) combing the logic of sentence,(4) analyzing thestructure of sentences, and (5) transforming rationally, which follows with practicaltranslation skills such as amplification, inversion, conversion and voice change.This research introduces constructivist theory to EST translation. It uncovers theguiding significance on constructivist translation theory in EST translation, as well asserving as a starting point for more and more insights and worthwhile researches inthis field.