In the book chapter Theory and Practice, Susan Bassnett states:
I often read in student essays about how Translation Studies was the groundbreaking work
that established the discipline. […..] As I recall, none of us thought we would be creating
a new discipline at all; we just wanted to see translations taken more seriously. […..]
And despite all the theorizing, nothing new is actually being said: Cicero made the basic
distinction between literal and free translation 2000 years ago, and all translation
theories play around in one way or another with that dichotomy.
Comment on the paragraph above and discuss the usefulness and/or uselessness of translation
theory. Give a strong thesis statement that clearly expresses your perspective. Use examples and
quotes from secondary sources. You may also use examples from existing or your own translations.
TOPIC 2
Read the Gothic short story “Tattoo Me” and identify issues of a possible translation into
Chinese. Use translation theories to approach the text and the various translation aspects. Discuss
which approaches a translator could choose, and which ideas, paradigms, or theories could aid or
explain the process. Give a strong thesis statement that clearly expresses your perspective. Use
examples and quotes from secondary sources.
sample Solution