Milton Watt has been with SIM in West Africa for 27 years. He currently works full-time remotely from Siloam Springs, Arkansas as a Translation Consultant with the Seed Company for translation projects in Africa and India. He is also a contributor to the OT Key Terms project. He has a Ph.D. in Biblical Languages from Stellenbosch University.
Metaphorical Models of Translation
Abstract
PROBLEM: What metaphor can best conceptualize translation work?
IMPORTANCE: Translation is a complex, multi-faceted, multidisciplinary process. Metaphorical thinking helps us gain a better understanding of the task. Lakoff and Johnson have shown that the essence of our conceptual system (how we think and act) is metaphorical and that metaphors help to shape how we perceive and influence the world around us.
METHODOLOGY: Brief discussion of 5 basic metaphors for translation. Then, a deeper discussion of 10 more complex metaphorical models.
RESULTS: Translation has been described by at least 5 basic metaphors: science, art, craft, performance, and communication process. Each metaphor gives insight into the nature of translation.
The 10 more complex metaphorical models (MMs) will be examined with respect to 5 major translation models:
* Equivalence models: Analogy & Clothing MMs
* Skopostheorie/Functionalist models: Imitation and Action & Toolmaker (sociological angle) MMs
* Inferential models/Relevance Theory: Transfer & Toolmaker (inferential angle) MMs
* Cognitive (frame) models: Frame-blending & Hospitality and Counterinsurgence MMs
* Literary/Rhetorical models: Musical Performance, Squeezed Jellyfish, & Clay-shaping Artist MMs
These metaphorical models can help us to envision the translation task more clearly because metaphors provide fresh insights into complex tasks. They also inspire and challenge translators to find new metaphors to describe our challenging profession.