Retranslation and Shifting Constraints

Retranslation and Shifting Constraints

The article hereby is an inquiry into a case of translation republishing, where extensive changes in the latter version are present despite the fact that the agents of the process are the same. The case is a fruitful source of discussion for translation studies since it provides constancy of significant variables while the translation products are considerably different. Through a descriptive study of such a case, varying constraints under which the agents operate are attempted to be revealed. Such revelation is also significant insofar as it provides a new perspective on the motives behind retranslation, which has been an amply discussed issue. In addition, the observed change in the constraints leading to non-conformism and a related change of macro-strategy observed in the retranslation seem to provide significant insight into the role of cultural, communicative and contextual factors in translator behaviour, which has important implications for translator training. The analyzed case also provides ground for the reconsideration of some of the common central concepts in translation studies today, as it seems to be buoyed up in the blurry boundaries between these concepts. Such conceptual discussion is increasingly becoming essential for translation studies as the body of research in translation studies calls for more and more precise terminology with each passing day.

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