An Investigation Into The Role Of Agency In Translation Learning Process

After reviewing a great amount of research on translation competence,the author finds that most of the literature focuses on translation competence itself,but has neglected the process of translation learning,which also plays a critical role in cultivating translation competence.Therefore,this thesis chooses to explore the implications of the soft factors at play in translation learning processes.This thesis focuses on agency as one of the�psychological-physiological factors�proposed by the authoritative PACTE translation competence model in order to find out its implications on translation learning process.Specifically,situated within the framework of Giddens' structuration theory,this thesis explores the role of agency in translation process and how this might affect translation competence and performance in the long run.This thesis employs a qualitative approach to category analysis and conducts semi-structured interviews with six students,who have varied translation scores and performances in their assignments.The aim is to pay more attention to the implications the soft factors would have on translation learning process,in order to add to and further improve the existing theoretical framework of translation competence.This thesis finds that student agency is constantly changing,so it is necessary to look at it from a dialectical perspective.This thesis also finds that student agency is closely related to their curriculum environment in the sense that student agency is restricted by the curriculum environment but also has certain impacts on it.This thesis attempts to focus on translation learning process and understand translation competence from an individual perspective.Also,this thesis puts forward some different yet mutually reinforcing patterns in terms of student translators'agency.It will hopefully show significant implications for the development of translation study as a process and draw due attention to the soft factors in translation studies.