çeviribilim

Çeviribilim, or translation studies, is an interdisciplinary academic field that examines the theory, practice, and application of translation within various cultural, linguistic, and social contexts. Originating in Europe in the mid-20th century, the discipline emerged as a response to the growing recognition of translation as a complex cognitive and cultural process rather than merely a linguistic task. Scholars in this field explore how translations shape identities, influence power dynamics, and facilitate—or hinder—cross-cultural communication.

Key areas of study within çeviribilim include translation theory, which analyzes the principles governing how texts are adapted from one language to another, and translation practice, which focuses on the practical skills required for effective communication across languages. Subfields such as literary translation, technical translation, and audiovisual translation highlight the diverse applications of translation in different domains. Additionally, çeviribilim often intersects with fields like linguistics, cultural studies, and sociology to understand broader implications of translation in globalized societies.

Translation theories, such as structuralism, poststructuralism, and functionalism, provide frameworks for interpreting how meaning is transferred—or sometimes lost—in translation. Critics like Antoine Berman and Lawrence Venuti have emphasized the role of translators as cultural mediators, arguing that translation is not just a neutral transfer of meaning but an active negotiation of cultural values. The concept of *foreignization* versus *domestication* illustrates this tension, where translators may either preserve the original text’s cultural specificity or adapt it to the target audience’s expectations.

Çeviribilim also addresses ethical and political dimensions of translation, such as issues of access, representation, and power. For instance, the translation of literary works can influence how cultures are perceived globally, while technical translations play a crucial role in fields like medicine and law, where accuracy is paramount. The rise of digital technologies has further expanded the field, introducing new challenges and opportunities in areas like machine translation and multilingual online communication.

In Turkey and beyond, çeviribilim has gained prominence as a scholarly and professional discipline, with universities offering specialized programs in translation studies. Researchers and practitioners in this field continue to explore how translation shapes—and is shaped by—globalization, identity, and intercultural dialogue.