Omission in translation

Abstract

This article suggests an integrated typology of omissions, adopting insights from both the linguistic/pragmatic and cultural/ideological trends in translation Studies. The criterion of classification is the purpose(s) for which professional translators resort to this strategy that may affect any level of the discourse. This descriptive target reader oriented perspective on omission tries to replace the frequently negative definitions and contexts in which the term has been used by a more realistic view, in keeping with what is going on in the actual translation practice. At the same time it may (hopefully) help trainees in making more confident decisions about using omissions. Although the examples are related to the Romanian culture the principles and situations are general enough to be applied to other languages and cultures as well. Nevertheless, my attempt to provide a more systematic, less biased kind of approach does not deprive this strategy of its complexity and occasional ethic ambivalence.