Abstract
In this article the literary theories which dominated textual studies during the twentieth century are discussed briefly, indicating the philosophical roots of these theories. The article points out that whereas theories during the greater part of the twentieth century tended to encourage a more "open" approach to meaning and textuality, there are clear indications of a new awareness of textual constraints in the last decade. The point is made that interpreters and translators should be aware of the philosophical implications as well as of the textual constraints in the different forms of textual processing. In conclusion the responsibility of translators and interpreters of religious texts is emphasised. (Acta Theologica, Supplementum 2, 2002: 266-279)
Highlights
This article is a contribution to a discussion on issues of translation, it is not directly concerned with translation as such, but with interpretation and formulation as important aspects of the process of creating a new text in relation to an existing text
Though excellent work has been and is still being done by interpreters and translators it would perhaps be wise to keep in mind the chastising words of the American poet Robert Frost, who said: “Poetry is what is lost in translation
During the twentieth century literary theories were intensely concerned with the meaning of texts and textual theories and sophisticated reading strategies were developed
Summary
This article is a contribution to a discussion on issues of translation, it is not directly concerned with translation as such, but with interpretation and formulation as important aspects of the process of creating a new text in relation to an existing text. Sentences and texts contain open areas, blank spaces which have to be filled by interpreters, analysts, critics and translators in the construction of meaning and this construction of meaning is determined by philosophical and theoretical presuppositions. Though excellent work has been and is still being done by interpreters and translators it would perhaps be wise to keep in mind the chastising words of the American poet Robert Frost, who said: “Poetry is what is lost in translation. It is what is lost in interpretation”
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