Is Achieving a Scientific and Coherent Account of Translation an Illusion? — Looking Into the Traditional Approaches to Translation Studies

Abstract

In the past several decades, translation studies have been developing quickly, lots of theoretical fruits have been achieved. Nevertheless, up to now, few theoretical fruits can be said to form a scientific and coherent account for translation studies, with Gutt’s theory as expounded in Translation and Relevance (2004) being one of some brilliant exceptions in this regard. Through unveiling the methodological advantages that underlie the success of the Gutt’s theory, the present paper purports to provide a reference for future translation scholars in forming a scientific and coherent account for translation studies.