Terminology and function hybridity : A functionalist approach to the translation of an art history book

Abstract: This essay discusses two aspects of the retention of pragmatic text functions in translation. The functionalist approach that was used focuses on achieving congruence between the author’s intended function and the perception of the reader, i.e., the target text’s actual function. The first aim was to examine whether a focus on text functions can be beneficial when translating terminology. The second aim was to investigate if a functionalist approach can be used to assure that all functions are retained for instances where the source text encompasses more than one pragmatic function. For the purposes of this study, two excerpts from Fritz Eichenberg’s art history book The Art of the Print were translated. Individual terms as well as instances where the source text segment contained one than more pragmatic function were then analyzed with the above mentioned aims in mind. It was found that a functionalist approach, in combination with a conceptual approach to terminology, was beneficial when translating terminology. It was also observed that the surrounding co-text aided in the understanding of the author’s concept. In regard to the second aim, it was found that while a functionalist approach assured that the translator was made aware of the existing functions, the translation procedures suggested were too narrow and static to be applicable to all segments.