Chapter 1 Introduction 1
1.1 Preview 1
1.2 Object of the research 3
1.3 Rationale of the research 7
1.4 Problems with the existing translation studies 13
1.5 Objectives of the research 14
1.6 Key research questions and hypotheses 15
1.7 Research methodology 16
1.8 Significance of the research 17
1.9 Structure of the research 18
Chapter 2 Review of the Relevant Literature 20
2.1 Introduction 20
2.2 A meta-theoretical thinking of translation studies 21
2.2.1 Different focuses of investigation 21
2.2.2 Problems of translation studies 31
2.2.3 Problems with research methodology 47
2.2.4 Some taken-for-granted facts in translation studies 52
2.3 Studies related to translational variations 55
2.3.1 Translation shift 55
2.3.2 The variational approach 61
2.3.3 Huang's study on special variations in translation 63
2.3.4 Hu's adaptation and selection approach 63
2.4 Summary 65
Chapter 3 A Description of Adaptation-Theoretic Framework 66
3.1 Introduction 66
3.2 Introduction to adaptation theory 66
3.2.1 Pragmatics as a general functional perspective 66
3.2.2 Theory of linguistic adaptation 69
3.2.3 Four angles of investigation 72
3.2.4 Three properties of language 76
3.3 An adaptation-theoretic approach to translation as adaptive variation 78
3.3.1 Contextual correlates in translational context 80
3.3.2 Translation as translator-centered 84
3.3.3 Language properties as prerequisites for translation operation 85
3.3.4 Translating as dynamic processes of making choices 87
3.3.5 Salience as cognitive filter 88
3.3.6 Translation as realization of adaptation 89
3.3.7 Translational variation as the result of adaptation 91
3.4 Summary 92
Chapter 4 Salience as a Cognitive Filter 93
4.1 Introduction 93
4.2 The Cognitive nature of salience 93
4.2.1 The notion of salience 93
4.2.2 Degree of salience 94
4.2.3 Dynamics of salience 95
4.3 Salience of the ST features 98
4.4 Salience of the TT norms 99
4.5 Salience of sociocultural context 101
4.6 Salience to the translator 102
4.7 Salience as a cognitive filter 104
4.8 Summary 105
Chapter 5 Adaptability of Translation 106
5.1 Introduction 106
5.2 Linguistic adaptability 106
5.3 Translational adaptability 108
5.3.1 Terminological problem and ambiguity 109
5.3.2 Redefining adaptation or adaptability 111
5.4 Bidirectionality of adaption 113
5.5 Obligatory adaptation 116
5.5.1 Adaptation to the rules of phonological patterns 117
5.5.2 Adaptation to the rules of syntactical structure 119
5.5.3 Adaptation to the rules of textual organization 121
5.6 Optional adaptation 131
5.6.1 Interpersonal adaptability 132
5.6.2 Intertextual adaptability 144
5.6.3 Sociocultural adaptability 153
5.7 Summary 171
Chapter 6 Variability of Translation 173
6.1 Introduction 173
6.2 Linguistic variability 173
6.3 Translational variability 176
6.4 Possibilities of translational variation 179
6.4.1 Variability of linguistic forms 180
6.4.2 Variability of semantic content 183
6.4.3 Variability of pragmatic function 185
6.4.4 Variability of text type and text function 187
6.5 Variation as dynamic processes of choice making 190
6.5.1 Dynamic choice making of ST interpretation 190
6.5.2 Dynamic choice making of TT production 192
6.6 Variation as Translation Strategy 194
6.7 Variation as Translational Creativity 195
6.8 Translational products as a continuum of variations 197
6.9 Summary 199
Chapter 7 Translation as Adaptive Variation:A Unified Account 201
7.1 Introduction 201
7.2 Translation as adaptive variation 202
7.3 Principles of translation 203
7.3.1 Adaptation principle 204
7.3.2 Conditioning principle 205
7.3.3 Variational principle 206
7.4 A Unified account of translation 207
7.4.1 ST as source of information for translation 207
7.4.2 TT as communicative text in target culture 208
7.4.3 Paradoxes and disputes revisited 209
7.4.4 Translatability reconsidered 211
7.5 Summary 213
Chapter 8 Conclusion 215
Bibliography 219