Übersetzungslehre

Übersetzungslehre, also known as translation studies, is an academic discipline that deals with the theory and practice of translation. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws on linguistics, literary studies, cultural studies, sociology, and even philosophy. The core aim of Übersetzungslehre is to understand the complex processes involved in transferring meaning from one language and culture to another.

Key areas of investigation within Übersetzungslehre include the nature of equivalence between languages, the role of the translator, the impact of cultural context on translation, and the various strategies and techniques employed by translators. It examines both literary and non-literary translation, considering different text types and genres. The field also delves into the history of translation, its social and political functions, and the ethical considerations faced by translators.

Early approaches to Übersetzungslehre often focused on linguistic equivalence, attempting to find direct correspondences between source and target languages. More contemporary approaches, however, emphasize the concept of skopos, the purpose or function of the translation in its target context, and adopt a more functionally oriented perspective. Research in Übersetzungslehre uses a variety of methodologies, including comparative analysis of source and target texts, empirical studies of translator behavior, and theoretical modeling of the translation process. The ultimate goal is to develop a deeper understanding of translation as a human activity and to improve its practice and teaching.