Translation Studies in the Eyes of Antoine Berman

Abstract

According to France’s translation studies, Antoine Berman can be regarded as one of the country’s predominant figures who has elevated translation to the status of a discipline, encompassing knowledge and unique methodology.  Berman’s approach is distinct from the translation method in linguistics in that the latter emphasizes the analysis of L1 and L2 transfer.  Despite being considered the opposite, Seleskovitch and Lederer’s interpretative theory of translation, one that has been advocated at the École Supérieure d’Interprètes et de Traducteurs (E.S.I.T.) in Paris, is viewed by Berman as based on linguistics, with an emphasis on searching for the equivalent word or expression, unfortunately, taking no account of L1 culture.  Berman’s epistemology of translation theory, therefore, stresses the importance of reflecting on and considering the text as a dialog of different cultures, not a process in which the computer automatically performs the function.  All in all, the translator can have respect for the L1 culture reflected in the original text, especially the linguistic norm itself.  A good translation work can incorporate foreign elements in order to retain the original author’s style and thoughts, thus, leaving us with a rough and hard-to-understand product reflecting the translator and the author coming from different cultures.