语言顺应论对翻译的启示

Theory of Linguistic Adaptation and its possible implications in translation

JefVerschueren的语言顺应论认为,语言使用的过程是语言使用者按照交际环境和交际对象不断地进行语言选择的过程。语言顺应论给翻译两点启示:第一,译者完全可以按照跨文化交际的具体语境灵活地采用翻译策略;第二,除了胡译、乱译外,现有的每一种翻译方法并无正误之分、优劣之别,都有其存在和应用的价值。

Theory of Linguistic Adaptation, formulated by Jef Verschueren, holds that the process of language use is the process of continual choice of language by the language users in light of communicative contexts. The three characteristics of language, that is, variability, negotiability and adaptability, enable the language users to make the choice. From the theory there are two implications: one is that a translator is fully entitled to adopt flexible translation strategies in line with specific contexts and the goal of translation, and the other is that there is no distinction between right and wrong in the existing translation strategies, each of them having its own value in the translation practice.