Descriptive Translation Studies (DTS) in Literature

Descriptive Translation Studies: Term, Definition, and Concept

Definition: Descriptive Translation Studies is a branch of translation theory that focuses on analyzing existing translations rather than prescribing how translations should be done. It seeks to describe and explain the phenomena of translation without imposing pre-conceived norms or value judgments. DTS researchers observe and analyze patterns, regularities, and variations within translated texts.

1. Concept: The central concept of DTS is that translations are cultural products deeply embedded in their target social and historical contexts. Instead of focusing on “good” or “bad” translations, DTS aims to understand the factors that shape translation choices. These factors can include the translator’s agency, the role of power dynamics between languages, the purpose of the translation, and prevailing literary or cultural trends. DTS recognizes that translations are never simply neutral reproductions of an original text.

Descriptive Translation Studies: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Key Figures in Descriptive Translations Studies

1. Gideon Toury (1942-2016): A pivotal figure in establishing DTS, Toury advocated for empirical, descriptive approaches to analyzing translations. His seminal works, “In Search of a Theory of Translation” (1980) and “Descriptive Translation Studies and Beyond” (1995), rejected prescriptive notions of translation fidelity. He introduced the influential concept of translation norms, the conventions and expectations governing translators’ choices within specific socio-historical contexts.
2. Itamar Even-Zohar (b. 1939): Even-Zohar’s polysystem theory offers a framework for understanding translated literature as a dynamic subsystem within the broader target literary system. His contributions, including the seminal “Polysystem Studies” (1990), emphasize the role of power dynamics in the positionality of translated literature (central or peripheral) within the target culture. This positionality impacts translation strategies and can lead to innovation within target literary systems.
3. Theo Hermans (b. 1948): Focusing on the historical and ideological dimensions of translation, Hermans’ work, “The Manipulation of Literature: Studies in Literary Translation” (1985), investigates how translations are intertwined with power relationships between cultures. He explores how translations can serve to perpetuate ideologies, shape perceptions of foreign cultures, and play a part in historical processes of colonialism and cultural exchange.

Descriptive Translation Studies: Key Principles

1. Target-Orientedness: DTS prioritizes the translated text within its target culture. Instead of emphasizing loyalty to the source text, this approach recognizes that translations are primarily products designed to function within a specific cultural context.
   • Example: Analyzing the English translation of the French novel “Madame Bovary” might involve examining how changes in character names, descriptions, and word choices adapted the work for audiences in 19th century England.
2. Empirical and Descriptive: DTS relies on systematic observation and analysis of real-life translations. It aims to describe and explain translation phenomena rather than prescribing how translations should be done.
   • Example: A DTS researcher might compare multiple translations of Shakespeare’s plays into Chinese, investigating patterns in how translators handle metaphors, cultural references, or the rendering of verse forms.
3. Norm-Based Approach: Translators’ decisions, this principle holds, are governed by both explicit and implicit norms prevailing in the target culture. These norms might be literary, social, or ideological.
   • Example: Historical shifts in norms can be seen in changing approaches to translating the Bible. Early translations might prioritize literalness, while later versions may aim for readability and accessibility within the target language and culture.
4. Systemic Perspective: DTS views translated literature as part of a larger system within the target culture. Translations compete and interact with texts originally written in the target language.
   • Example: A DTS study of fantasy novels translated into Spanish would consider how they fit into the existing landscape of Spanish-language fantasy literature, potentially influencing trends or competing for readership.

Important Note: DTS does not seek to judge translations as “good” or “bad.” It aims to understand the factors and cultural forces that shape translations and their reception.

Descriptive Translation Studies: Application in Critiques

Literary Work	DTS Areas of Focus	Key Questions for Critique
The Tale of Genji (11th Century Japan)	Translation Norms across Time Periods: How do translations from different eras (e.g., Victorian vs. modern) approach issues like readability, foreignness, and cultural accuracy for English audiences?	* How have evolving norms impacted the portrayal of Japanese culture, language, and social customs in English translations?
Don Quixote (17th Century Spain)	Positionality in Target Systems: Contrast translations into languages where the work holds a peripheral vs. central position in the literary system.	* How do translation strategies differ in cultures where Don Quixote was a major innovation vs. those where it arrived amongst established literary traditions?
One Hundred Years of Solitude (20th Century Colombia)	Translating Style: How do translators in various languages convey the unique elements of magical realism?	* To what extent do translations emphasize or downplay the stylistic innovation of the original, and how does this shape reception?
Modern Arabic Poetry	Factors Influencing Translation & Reception: Why do certain Arabic poets gain wider acclaim in translation?	* How do translation norms, target culture publishing trends, and political factors influence which poets are selected for translation and their subsequent reception?

Descriptive Translation Studies: Criticism Against It

1. Lack of Prescriptive Power: Critics argue that DTS, by focusing on description, fails to provide translators with practical guidance or tools for improving their practice. It doesn’t offer concrete recommendations on how to create “better” translations.
2. Potential Relativism: Some worry that DTS, by avoiding value judgments, could lead to a sense that all translations are equally valid. This potentially dilutes the concept of quality in translation and could devalue the translator’s skill.
3. Neglect of Source Text: DTS has been accused of an excessive focus on the target culture, sometimes downplaying the importance of the original source text and the translator’s ethical responsibility towards it.
4. Subjectivity: Critics point out that the interpretation of translation norms and phenomena within DTS can be subjective. This subjectivity might lead to analyses vulnerable to the researcher’s personal biases.
5. Limited Scope: Some argue that DTS, while effectively describing translation products, doesn’t adequately investigate the actual cognitive processes and decision-making of translators themselves.

Counterarguments in Defense of DTS

• Advocates of DTS argue that its descriptive nature is a strength, allowing for unbiased analysis and a deeper understanding of the factors shaping real-world translations.
• They contend that DTS is not intended to be prescriptive but rather to complement prescriptive approaches.
• DTS supporters emphasize that acknowledging the target culture’s role does not diminish the importance of the source text.

Important Note: These criticisms don’t invalidate DTS. Instead, they highlight areas where DTS can be used in conjunction with other translation theories to arrive at a more balanced and comprehensive approach.

Descriptive Translation Studies: Terms Used in It

Term	Definition
Target-Orientedness	The principle that translations are primarily designed to function within the target culture, rather than emphasizing strict fidelity to the source text.
Empirical	Describes the data-driven approach of DTS, relying on the observation and analysis of existing translations.
Descriptive	Focused on describing and explaining translation phenomena without imposing prescriptive rules or value judgments.
Norms	The implicit or explicit conventions, expectations, and pressures within a target culture that guide a translator’s decisions.
Polysystem	A model that views translated literature as a dynamic subsystem within the broader literary system of the target culture.
Power Dynamics	The inequalities between cultures, languages, and literatures that influence the translation process and the reception of translated works.
Manipulation	The way translations can shape or alter the perception of the source culture within the target culture.
Systemicity	The concept that translations interact with and compete with original works within the literary system of the target culture.
Translator Agency	The ability of the translator to make choices and exert some influence within the constraints of norms and systems.
Cultural Transfer	The process by which translations mediate ideas, concepts, and cultural artifacts between source and target cultures.

Descriptive Translation Studies: Suggested Readings

1. Susan. Translation Studies. 4th ed., Routledge, 2014.
2. Even-Zohar, Itamar. “Polysystem Studies.” Poetics Today, vol. 11, no. 1, Duke University Press, 1990. (This is a journal issue, but contains his foundational work).
3. Gentzler, Edwin. Contemporary Translation Theories. 2nd ed., Routledge, 2001.
4. Hermans, Theo, editor. The Manipulation of Literature: Studies in Literary Translation. Croom Helm, 1985.
5. Munday, Jeremy. Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications. 4th ed., Routledge, 2016.
6. Pym, Anthony. Exploring Translation Theories. 2nd ed., Routledge, 2014.
7. Schäffner, Christina, editor. Translation Research and Interpreting Research: Traditions, Gaps and Synergies. Multilingual Matters, 2004.
8. Snell-Hornby, Mary. The Turns of Translation Studies: New Paradigms or Shifting Viewpoints? John Benjamins Publishing Company, 2006.
9. Toury, Gideon. Descriptive Translation Studies and Beyond. John Benjamins Publishing Company, 1995.
10. Venuti, Lawrence, editor. The Translation Studies Reader. 3rd ed., Routledge, 2012.