Translation theory concepts and applications

Deconstructionism and Translation Theory

Deconstructionists and translation.

Deconstructionalist believes that the possibility of knowing an authors meaning in a particular work is slim to none. The author who wrote an original piece did so within a particular social construct. The author has individual meanings and experiences in his or her life that were not included in his work. Therefore the authors 'original intent' cannot be fully understood by the present day translator

Deconstructionists, therefore, do not attempt to make assertions of the author's original intent. They turn their translation effort to helping the reader understand what the particular piece may mean for today. An example of this difference in approach to understanding documents can be seen today in the political system of our country, in particular in the court system. Conservative judges and politicians are swift to bring into discussion the 'original intent' of the framers of the constitution. They will argue that the 'original intent' of a document should be preserved in order to continue the rule of law over our country as was designed and intended.

Liberal judges and politicians take the stance that the constitution and other laws are 'living documents' which need to be adjusted in order to more accurately reflect the circumstance of the current political and social climate. Through this understanding of the constitution, doctrines such as the 'separation of church and state' and 'a woman's right to privacy' and more recently 'the cultural benefits of a multicultural and diverse society' were added to the constitution in order to facilitate a specific set of social realignments.

Constructionists approach translations projects with the purpose of staying true to the 'original intents and language' during the course of translation. Their work is unified by a conceptual framework that assumes the presence of the author's original meaning and message lies within the context of the work, and that message has been preserved in the context of the work as it has been delivered to present day society.