Douglas Robinson and the somatic approach to translation Cover Image

Douglas Robinson and the somatic approach to translation
Douglas Robinson and the somatic approach to translation

Author(s): Andrzej Pawelec
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: KSIĘGARNIA AKADEMICKA Sp. z o.o.
Keywords: Douglas Robinson; somaticity; performativity; somatic theory of translation

Summary/Abstract: It is my aim in this paper to sketch the “somatic theory” of translation presented by Douglas Robinson. It is symptomatic, in my view, that the theory has not progressed far beyond general formulations and serves merely as a largely unspecified background, or “undercurrent” (Robinson’s phrase), in various case studies. I propose to show that this state of affairs does not result from Robinson’s negligence or theoretical narrowness (among translation theorists, he is surely one of the most productive and versatile authors). Rather, the very conception – based on the insights developed in phenomenological hermeneutics – does not allow of a straightforward development and application.

  • Issue Year: 2012
  • Issue No: 18
  • Page Range: 25-37
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: English