Constraints in Translation



By


Obododimma Oha


Introduction


By now, we must have understood that translation is not what is done not considering the nature of the situation. The constraints we are discussing here are things to be put into consideration as one delves into translation. They are not obstacles but factors that make it meaningful.


Purpose of translation


One of these constraints is the purpose of the translation itself. What is the translation supposed to help in doing? Is it being done just for the fun of it all? Or is to assist in advancing a cause, promoting a cause, helping to make a cause possible?


This is what the idea of skopos is all about. We have to consider the purpose of the translation. That purpose is a major guiding factor and must not be undermined by choices made.


The values of the translator:


The value or ideology of the translator is also a major constraint. The translator wants to promote this governing value system. The translation is seen as one way of voicing the ideology so as to influence other people.


The equivalents identified and used should say it. In other words, we still treat language as directing life.


The contexts of the ST and the TT :



Translation requires that the translator should bes faithful the context of the source text and of the target text. It is not only the text that is being transferred. Its world or context is being transferred, too. You must have also heard or read about my personal Chinese anthology experience. We need to accommodate to the demands of contexts surrounding the translation. 

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