Lecture 1. Foundations of Translation Research.
Paradigms and approaches in translation studies: from
prescriptive to descriptive.
Seminar 1. Discussion of key theoretical texts (e.g., Holmes's
"The Name and Nature of Translation Studies") Нагиятова
Лаззат Бермахановна
Lecturer: Nagiyatova Lazzat Bermahanovna,
PhD, candidate of Philological sciences
Seminar questions:
1. Analyze the historical evolution of translation studies, specifically tracing the shift from
prescriptive to descriptive paradigms and identifying the key figures and theoretical
movements associated with this change.
2. Research the characteristics of the prescriptive approach in translation, focusing on its core
assumptions, key proponents, and representative theories and their limitations.
3. Research the emergence of the descriptive paradigm, including its origins, central concepts
(e.g., norms, polysystems), and how it distinguished itself from earlier approaches.
4. Evaluate other major paradigms and theoretical turns that have influenced translation
studies since the descriptive turn, such as the Cultural Turn, the sociological turn, and
functionalist approaches.
5. Analyze the content and arguments of James S. Holmes's foundational text "The Name and
Nature of Translation Studies" to understand its structure, central thesis, and lasting impact on
the field.
6. Synthesize the information gathered to outline a comprehensive lecture suitable for
doctorate students, including an introduction, a detailed historical overview, and an in-depth
discussion of key paradigms and their interrelations.
1. Who is a central figure in Descriptive Translation Studies (DTS)?
2. When did Toury's DTS begin to play a significant role in translation studies?
3. What is a key claim of DTS regarding its properties compared to traditional
translation theories?
4. What does the article argue about the descriptiveness of Toury's theory?
5. What is the main intention of the thesis discussed in the article?
6. Which concepts are analyzed in the article to expose the prescriptive
aspects of Toury's theory?
7. What influenced Toury's theory according to the article?
8. What other dialectical relationships does the thesis discuss?
9. What is the main focus of prescriptive studies in translation?
10. What is considered the primary standard in prescriptive research?
11. How does the descriptive paradigm differ from the prescriptive one in its view of
translation?
12. According to the article, what is the belief of prescriptive studies regarding equivalence?
13. What does the descriptive school argue about equivalence?
14. What has Descriptive Translation Studies instilled into the field compared to the
prescriptive approach?
15. What is the role of empiricism and hermeneutics in Descriptive Translation Studies, as
discussed in one of the snippets?
16. What is the key argument of the article regarding Toury's journey from a descriptive to a
prescriptive approach?
17. Which two influential scholars are mentioned as questioning DTS at the turn of the
century?
18. What does the article state about the relationship between prescription and
description?
19. What does the article state about the purpose of the discussion on the prescriptiveness
of Toury's theory?
20. What specific approach to identifying norms does DTS use?