On The Relativity Of Translation Equivalence

Translation equivalence is a key concept in translation study, which occupies an important position not only in some present definitions of translation but in some prevalent criteria for good translation as well. Therefore, an analysis of it will have some theoretical significance.Equivalence is mostly used in several scientific fields such as mathematics, chemistry, and logic, indicating absolute equality in relationship. Influenced by this, translation equivalence often tends to have an absolute denotation. It can be divided into three sub-types: formal, semantic, and pragmatic. In actual translation, these three are often in conflict with each other, thus resulting in a kind of relative equivalence between the ST and the TT in terms of quality. What's more, in terms of quantity, the ST and the TT are often only relatively equivalent, as is typically shown in comparatively loose partial translations.Starting from an analysis of the concept of translation equivalence, the present thesis intends to analyze both the objective and subjective factors accounting for this relativity based on contemporary translation theories and their related theories, such as comparative linguistics, culturology, hermeneutics, and reception aesthetics and point out that, in most cases, the translator can only produce a kind of relatively equivalent version. This thesis aims to reveal the limitations of some present definitions of translation and criteria for good translation and then to produce a revision of the definition of and criterion for translation. This theoretical exploration expects to benefit not only translation study, but also translation practice and teaching.