Pretranslation References, Mentions and Opinions in Dante's Convivio Cover Image

Referiri, mențiuni și opinii traductiv-pretraductologice în Convivio al lui Dante
Pretranslation References, Mentions and Opinions in Dante's Convivio

Author(s): Iulia Cosma
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: Editura Universităţii de Vest din Timişoara
Keywords: history of translation theory; history of translation; translation studies; medieval auctoritas; vernacular languages

Summary/Abstract: The present paper aims to investigate and, as much as possible, clarify the extent to which Dante could be considered a theoretician of translation studies and therefore a key figure in the history of translation theory, as seems to be suggested in the works of Susan Bassnett and Georges Mounin. In order to acquire a better understanding of Dante’s supposed statements regarding the translation process, an extensive and intensive study was required of the work from which his comments were extracted, namely the Convivio, as well as De vulgari eloquentia. The instruments of analysis employed were those of Jean Bollak’s critical and historical hermeneutics. The historical approach was fundamental to observing and describing Dante’s complex and elaborate argumentative apparatus. Works from the history of mentalities, semiotics and the philosophy of language were drawn upon to give a more accurate interpretation of his ideology and words. The second part of the study consists of an analysis from a translation studies perspective of the excerpts regarding translation. This has resulted in the rejection of the original hypothesis that viewed Dante as interested in the process of translation, or in translation studies.

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 51-52
  • Page Range: 89-99
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Romanian