Translation as Theory: A Translator’s Perspective

Abstract

This paper examines the dynamic relationship between translation practice and translation theory by arguing that translation itself functions as a form of theory-building. Beginning with a brief overview of the historical development of Translation Theory—from classical debates on “word-for-word” versus “sense-for-sense” translation to contemporary linguistic, cultural, and poststructuralist approaches—the study foregrounds the role of the translator as an active theoretician. Drawing on the author’s experience as the translator of Shanta Kumar’s Hindi novel Lajjo, the paper engages critically with key theoretical concepts proposed by scholars such as Marisa Presas and Andrew Chesterman, particularly the notion of implicit or tacit theories of translation.

The study demonstrates that by systematically documenting translation dilemmas, decision-making processes, and problem-solving strategies, the translator generates new data that contributes meaningfully to Translation Studies. Through detailed examples, the paper shows how issues related to cultural specificity, linguistic ambiguity, equivalence, creativity, and trans-creation are negotiated in practice. It further argues that the influence of academic theories on translation praxis, when critically reflected upon, leads to the development of “tactic theories” that bridge the gap between abstract theorization and lived translational experience.

By treating translation as structured research and creative praxis, the paper challenges the rigid separation between theory and practice. It concludes that translation is not merely an application of pre-existing theories but an evolving intellectual activity through which new, context-sensitive theories of translation continuously emerge.