Ideological Meandering in Textual Rendering: Binarities, Innuendos and Overtones in Translation

Abstract

The two essential components of translation are culture and language, and the inquiry into translation and translating lies in bringing together theory and practice in an interactive fashion. As it is essentially a linguistic exercise, the translation process needs to include a meticulous contemplation of all linguistic aspects of the text, including phonemic, morphological, syntagmatic, and semiotic facets. However, it would be naïve to believe that the list ends there. Political and ideological beliefs will not shape just the TL expressions and narratives – translation too, will frequently reflect the translator’s political affiliation or ethnic belonging. This paper selectively explores linguistic features that translators need to be alert about in their work. In conjunction with other considerations, including textual, phatic, cultural and stylistic, the translator’s work definitely appears to be an informed act. In the analysis of text organization, in particular with relation to translation, the concept of semantic congruence comes to the fore. This being the case, the translator needs to be aware of the key textual mismatch between English and Serbian in order to produce acceptable TL renderings. His or her ability to move from parataxis to hypotaxis and vice versa constitutes an important component of their translatorial competence.