PROSPECTIVITY AND RETROSPECTIVITY AS POLARITY ITEMS IN TRANSLATION

Abstract

A broad intellectual topography of translation theories allows us to go beyond more
traditionally defined zones (for instance, Holmes’ (1972) far-reaching tripartite division of
translation studies into descriptive, theoretical and applied ones) to an osmotic model,
incorporating comparative literature, linguistics, philosophy, psychology, anthropology,
ethnography, sociology, cultural studies and communication sciences. Furthermore, Holmes’
terminological distinction between translating (understood as the process of translation) and
translation (the product) seems to have become blurred due the fact that the product
dimension has gained increased importance, being the most visible part of translation as
design-oriented, precise and measurable (complying with specification).