Descriptive Translation Studies (DTS), abbreviated as DTS, is a specialized branch of pure translation studies dedicated to observing and analyzing the various phenomena related to the act of translating and the resulting translated texts. Unlike prescriptive approaches that dictate how translations should be done, DTS focuses on describing what actually occurs in the world of translation.
Understanding the Core Purpose of DTS
At its heart, DTS aims to create a systematic and empirical understanding of translation as a real-world activity. This involves:
- Observation: Carefully studying existing translations and the processes behind their creation.
- Analysis: Identifying patterns, norms, and typical features within translation practices and translated works.
- Description: Articulating the findings in a structured and theoretical manner.
The field seeks to answer questions like: How are translations actually performed? What characteristics do translated texts exhibit in different contexts? How do socio-cultural factors influence translation choices?
Categories of Descriptive Translation Studies
Descriptive Translation Studies is a broad field, further divided into distinct categories to focus on specific aspects of translation phenomena. The reference indicates that DTS is further divided into three categories. One of these categories is:
Product-Oriented DTS
Product-oriented DTS concentrates specifically on analyzing the translated texts themselves. As the reference states, it describes individual translations of a given text or context. This means researchers in this area look at the "product"—the translated work—to understand its features, the choices made by the translator, and how it relates to the source text and its context.
Examples of Product-Oriented DTS in Practice:
- Comparative Analysis: Examining multiple translations of the same literary work into a target language to identify stylistic differences, fidelity to the source, and common translation strategies employed.
- Textual Feature Study: Analyzing the linguistic and textual characteristics of translated scientific articles in a specific field to understand how technical language is rendered across cultures.
- Genre-Specific Analysis: Describing the typical features of translated legal documents or instruction manuals to identify prevailing norms and conventions within those genres.
While the reference highlights Product-oriented DTS, it's important to remember that it is just one of the three main divisions within the broader field, each offering a unique lens through which to describe translation phenomena.
Why is Descriptive Translation Study Important?
The significance of DTS lies in its empirical approach. By describing actual translation practices and products, DTS contributes to:
- Building Theoretical Models: It provides the data necessary to construct robust theories about translation, moving beyond mere speculation.
- Understanding Translation Norms: It helps identify the unspoken rules and conventions that govern translation behavior in different historical periods or cultural contexts.
- Informing Translator Training: By understanding what translators do, training programs can be better designed to equip future professionals with practical skills.
- Evaluating Translation Quality: A clear description of what constitutes a "typical" or "effective" translation in a given context can aid in developing more objective evaluation criteria.
Key Characteristics of DTS
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Empirical | Based on observable data and real-world translation practices. |
| Descriptive | Aims to describe "what is" rather than prescribe "what should be." |
| Systematic | Employs structured methodologies to analyze translation phenomena. |
| Contextual | Considers the historical, social, and cultural contexts of translations. |
By focusing on description rather than prescription, Descriptive Translation Studies offers invaluable insights into the complex and multifaceted world of translation.
