定量乎?定性乎?——对构建翻译标准的理论思考

By Quantification or Qualification?——Thoughts on Building the Criteria for Translation

翻译标准是翻译理论的基本问题。本文从思辨和实证的角度提出三对参数:主观与客观、定量与定性、抽象与具体,拟对标准的本体特征进行剖析。"应然"状态下的标准是一种理论形态,在理论域内具备客观性。"实然"状态下的标准是一种实际状态,在实践论域内具有主观性。主观的不定性和汉语形式化假设的不成立,使得标准不具备定量描述的条件。抽象标准和具象标准都有存在的合法性。标准构建的理论价值取向应是定性和开放的。

The issue of translation criteria is critical in translation studies.This paper tends to analyze speculatively and empirically the ontological features of the criteria based on such three pairs of parameters as subjectiveness and objectiveness,quantification and qualification,and abstractiveness and concreteness.The author points out that the criteria in the state of＂ought＂are theoretically objective while criteria in the state of＂sein＂are practically subjective.The uncertainty of subjectiveness,as well as the unworkableness of the formulization of Chinese language,makes the formation of the translation criteria lack of the conditions of quantitative description,and both the abstract and concrete criteria can be legitimate to exist.Therefore,the value orientation of the criteria for translation is qualitative and open.