Andrew Chesterman, The idea of a theory (part 1 of 3)

TL;DR

This content explores the concept of translation theory and its relevance to empirical research, emphasizing the importance of understanding, choosing the right concepts, and explaining phenomena.

Transcript

now but here extension of the summer to be here which is nice I'm going to talk about the idea of a theory because for me this is very interesting and also because in my experience uh working with students working on their doctorates and their Master's thesis it's always a big problem they always seem to find it difficult to know how to relate Theo... Read More

Key Insights

• 👀 Translation theory originates from the Greek concept of "theia," meaning "to look" or "to see," emphasizing the importance of understanding and making sense of phenomena.
• 🗯️ Understanding in translation theory involves selecting and applying the right concepts, frameworks, and explanations to accurately describe and explain translation processes.
• ❓ Scholars should consider alternative or "shadow" concepts when choosing their theoretical framework, as well as provide justifications for their choices.
• 👻 Perspective matters in translation theory, and examining phenomena from different perspectives, such as field, particle, and wave, allows for deeper insights and the generation of research questions.
• 💁 Traditional explanations based on causality are not the only form of explanation in translation theory, as recent developments suggest that generalization and unification can provide comprehensive explanations.
• 🧘 Scholars should be aware of their position and assumptions when approaching translation theory, emphasizing the importance of critical realism and acknowledging individual perspectives.
• 💨 Translation theory can be classified into five types: myth, metaphor, model, hypothesis, and research program, each offering different ways of understanding and explaining translation phenomena.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do students often struggle with relating theory to empirical research in their theses?

Many students find it challenging because they struggle to understand how theory relates to their practical research, selecting appropriate concepts, frameworks, and explanations that align with their research objectives.

Q: How can scholars use the concept of "shadow translation" in their research?

By considering "shadow concepts," scholars can explore alternative ways of understanding or classifying certain phenomena, delving into the reasons for choosing specific concepts and rejecting others.

Q: How can looking at translation from different perspectives help generate research questions?

Examining translation as a field, particle, wave, or from a functional perspective allows researchers to generate different research questions that provide comprehensive insights into the phenomenon.

Q: Can translation theory be explained solely through the concept of causality?

While causality has traditionally been associated with explanations in translation theory, recent developments suggest that alternative explanations, such as generalization and unification, can offer new perspectives and broader understanding.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Translation theory is a way of looking at something and making sense of it, stemming from the Greek word "theia," meaning "to look."

• Understanding in translation theory involves the use of concepts, frameworks, and explanations to describe, explain, and sometimes predict phenomena.

• Scholars should consider alternative concepts, known as "shadow concepts," and explain why they choose specific concepts, theories, or frameworks.