Criticisms of Feminist Translation Theory from within Feminism

Abstract

Feminist translation theory has enlarged the boundaries of translation studies and triggered an unprecedented revolution in translation concepts and thoughts. This theory denies the traditional notions of translation as reproduction, arguing that translation is cultural interference and coordination during which there are creations of new meanings; it denies the traditional hierarchical concept of the superiority of the original and the subordination of the translation, redefining their relationship as coexistence; it also denies the absoluteness of meaning and emphasizes its richness and diversity, herein reinterpreting fidelity and accentuating infidelity or treason in translation. In general, it is a unique penetration in translation perspectives, practices and strategies. However, it also receives much criticisms in translation circles. This thesis aims to explore the criticisms from those within feminism. Throughout this thesis, the descriptive and qualitative approaches are adopted.