LANGUAGE LEARNING, MULTILINGUALISM AND LITERARY TRANSLATION

Abstract

In the following paper we try to discern the complex translation mechanisms seen in the light of the person performing this delicate operation. The study will focus on investigating and defining the nature, skills, capacities and specific talents that a person able to execute a literary translation has. We will deal with linguistic competences, simultaneous bilingualism and sequential bilingualism, as well as with grammatical versus communicative competences. Along with bilingualism, we will focus also on the topic of multilingualism as a social phenomenon governed by globalization, interculturality and social openness. In this sense, the interest on multilingual individuals, generally referred to as polyglots, could help our approach by providing important information in order to realise a comprehensive analysis of the literary translation process in particular. Operating with terms belonging to the sphere of language use and language learning, the paper aims to explore the topic in an interdisciplinary manner, to create a bridge between the linguistic performance and the translation act itself. At the same time, it outlines how languages, during centuries, with their complex implications for identity, communication, social integration, education and development are of strategic importance for people and the planet.