Table Of ContentTRANSLATION AFTER WITTGENSTEIN
In this eminently readable study, Philip Wilson explores the later writings of
Ludwig Wittgenstein and shows how a reading of this philosophy can enable the
translation theorist and the practising translator to reflect upon and improve the
phenomenon of translation. Wittgenstein, while a key figure in twentieth-century
philosophy, remains peripheral to the field of translation studies, and Wilson argues
that his later work, because it deals with the nature of language and meaning, is
potentially of great significance and that an awareness of this can change transla-
tion, both literary and non-literary.
Wittgenstein’s life and thought is treated in the introduction, where it is shown
how his methods can be applied to areas outside philosophy. The central three
chapters of the book survey: the reading of the source text for translation; the writ-
ing of the target text; the theorisation of the target text. The author demonstrates
how tools from Wittgenstein’s work can be of use in translation studies: the notion
of the language-game, for example, helps us to understand meaning by looking at
the way that words are used, and this can both help us describe translation and
suggest ways of translating.
A wide variety of examples and case studies is given throughout the book, from
both literary and non-literary sources. Aimed at translation studies scholars, gradu-
ate students and researchers, this interdisciplinary book will also be of interest to
scholars of philosophy and literature.
Philip Wilson teaches at the University of East Anglia, UK. He has co-edited
Literary Translation: Re-drawing the Boundaries (with Jean Boase-Beier and Antoinette
Fawcett, 2014). He also edited and translated The Bright Rose, translations of early
German verse (2015).
Translation Theories Explored
Series Editor: Theo Hermans, UCL, UK
Translation Theories Explored is a series designed to engage with the range and diver-
sity of contemporary translation studies. Translation itself is as vital and as charged
as ever. If anything, it has become more plural, more varied and more complex in
today’s world. The study of translation has responded to these challenges with
vigour. In recent decades the field has gained in depth, its scope continues to
expand and it is increasingly interacting with other disciplines. The series sets out
to reflect and foster these developments. It aims to keep track of theoretical devel-
opments, to explore new areas, approaches and issues, and generally to extend and
enrich the intellectual horizon of translation studies. Special attention is paid to
innovative ideas that may not as yet be widely known but deserve wider currency.
Individual volumes explain and assess particular approaches. Each volume com-
bines an overview of the relevant approach with case studies and critical reflection,
placing its subject in a broad intellectual and historical context, illustrating the key
ideas with examples, summarizing the main debates, accounting for specific meth-
odologies, achievements and blind spots, and opening up new avenues for the
future. Authors are selected not only for their close familiarity and personal affinity
with a particular approach but also for their capacity for lucid exposition, critical
assessment and imaginative thought. The series is aimed at researchers and graduate
students who wish to learn about new approaches to translation in a comprehen-
sive but accessible way.
Translation as Metaphor Translating as a Purposeful
Rainer Guldin Activity
Christiane Nord
Translation and Language
Education Translation and Gender
Sara Laviosa Luise von Flotow
Translation and Language Deconstruction and Translation
Peter Fawcett Kathleen Davis
Translation and Empire Can Theory Help Translators?
Douglas Robinson Andrew Chesterman and Emma Wagner
Translation and Literary Stylistic Approaches to
Criticism Translation
Marilyn Gaddis Rose Jean Boase-Beier
Translation in Systems Representing Others
Theo Hermans Kate Sturge
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TRANSLATION AFTER
WITTGENSTEIN
Philip Wilson
First published 2016
by Routledge
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and by Routledge
711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
© 2016 Philip Wilson
The right of Philip Wilson to be identified as author of this work has been
asserted by him in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or
utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now
known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in
any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing
from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or
registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation
without intent to infringe.
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
A catalog record for this title has been requested
ISBN: 978-1-138-79987-5 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-75582-3 (ebk)
Typeset in Bembo
by Sunrise Setting Ltd, Paignton, UK
In memory of Elsie Wilson (1920–2005)
and Bill Wilson (1913–2003)
‘Words are also deeds.’
Ludwig Wittgenstein (P I 546)
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CONTENTS
List of illustrations x
Preface xi
Acknowledgements xii
Abbreviations xiv
1 Introduction 1
2 Reading the source text for translation 14
3 Writing the target text 47
4 Theorising the target text 75
5 Conclusion 101
Bibliography 109
Index 119
