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Deconstruction and Translation explains ways in which many practical and theoretical problems of translation can be rethought in the light of insights from the French philosopher Jacques Derrida. If there is no one origin, no transcendent meaning, and thus no stable source text, we can no longer talk of translation as meaning transfer or as passive reproduction. Kathleen Davis instead refers to the translator's freedom and individual responsibility. Her survey of this complex field begins from an analysis of the proper name as a model for the problem of signification and explains revised concepts of limits, singularity, generality, definitions of text, writing, iterability, meaning and intention. The implications for translation theory are then elaborated, complicating the desire for translatability and incorporating sharp critique of linguistic and communicative approaches to translation. The practical import of this approach is shown in analyses of the ways Derrida has been translated into English. In all, the text offers orientation and guidance through some of the most conceptually demanding and rewarding fields of contemporary translation theory.
List of contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Section I: Translatability and Untranslatability
Chapter 1: Différance
Difference at the Origin
Saussure and Differences
The difference of différance
Conclusion
Chapter 2: The Limit
Singularity and Generality
Text
Writing
Conclusion
Chapter 3: Iterability
Stability and Instability
The Supplement
Sur-vival
Conclusion: Institutions, Kingdoms, and Property
Section II: Implications for Translation Theory
Introduction
Chapter 4: Unloading Terms
Decision
Intention
Communication
Conclusion
Chapter 5: Translating Derrida
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak
Alan Bass
Geoff Bennington and Ian McLeod
'The Measure of Translation Effects'
Conclusion
Chapter 6: Response and Responsibility
Aporias
'Relevant' Translation
'Mercy Seasons Justice'
Conclusion
References
Index
About the author
Kathleen Davis
Summary
Deconstruction and Translation explains ways in which many practical and theoretical problems of translation can be rethought in the light of insights from the French philosopher Jacques Derrida
