‘Translator‐Centredness’

Abstract

Abstract This article presents a concept of ‘translator‐centredness’ which challenges the theories of the two poles of ‘source text‐centered’ and ‘target text‐centered’ that have predominated in studies of translation. The concept is discussed on the basis of previous translator studies and from different perspectives on such factors as the basic triangle of ‘source text‐translator‐translated text’, differences in translations of the same author or work, and translation practice, etc. By confirming the centredness of translators in the chain of translational communication, the author argues that the translator‐centered concept would not only help legitimize the translator's central status and dominant role in translating, but also serve as a theoretical prop to justify the translator's subjectivity, creativity, and authority in the translation process. This article, therefore, also becomes an exhortation to focus more on the ‘realities’ of translation by positioning the translator central in translating.