From Translation Studies to Translator Studies

Figure 1. Holmes' map of Translation Studies (based on Holmes 1988)

Figure 2. Sketch of Translator Studies (based on Chesterman 2006 and elsewhere)

Abstract

A number of recent tendencies in Translation Studies focus explicitly on the translator in some way, rather than on translations as texts. These trends might be grouped under the term "Translator Studies". The article argues that this new focus is inadequately represented in Holme's classic map. Evidence of the recent trends is found especially in translation sociology, but also in translation history and in research into the translator's decision-making process. A broad outline of Translator Studies would cover sociology, culture and cognition, all looking at the translator's agency, in different ways.

CHESTERMAN, Andrew 2009. "The Name and Nature of Translation Studies". In Hermes - Journal of Language and Communication Studies, no. 42.