Condensing translation procedures into a general model

Abstract

Translation procedures, the strategies applied in the interlingual transference of textual material, exist in a large number, having been presented in various models and other theoretical work. Despite the considerable extent of related research, several aspects related to them still remain unresolved. One negative aspect apparent in such models is that all probable procedures have not been included them, as a result of being confined to a text type or a textual element, or not considering various possibilities occurred in the translation process. In addition, a lack of consistency in the terminology and definition of procedures is highlighted by some overlaps, blurred boundaries, etc. Classifying procedures into the categories of direct translation, balanced translation, and free translation is a noteworthy tendency apparent in the domain, though not constantly preferred in all models. The non-existence of a standard balanced translation procedure, by means of the sense and form of the source-language version can be consistently maintained in the target text, is also linked to this. Considering this research gap, which can be summed-up to terminology, classification, and systematic presentation of translation procedures, the present study has been conducted with the research problem ‘How can distinct translation procedures be condensed into a general model, indicating the ascending and descending order, the balanced procedure, and sub-procedures?’. Accordingly, seven models, which cover a total of sixty-three translation procedures were considered for the analysis. The methodology involved three stages, namely, procedure examination phase, procedure condensing phase, and new model establishment phase. By means of a comprehensive examination of the selected procedures and a classification based on their involved strategies, a new condensed model, which consists of seven primary procedures and twelve sub-procedures, was proposed as the major outcome of the study. The primary procedures, which represent the major strategies available for a translator, cover three direct translation procedures, namely, borrowing, literal translation, and interlinear translation; one balanced translation procedure, namely, equivalent translation; and three free translation procedures, namely, deviative translation, paraphrastic translation, and creative translation. The minor strategies available for a translator under them are represented by the relevant sub-procedures.