The publication of Translation, History and Culture (1990), edited by Susan Bassnett and André Lefevere, marks a watershed moment in the discipline of Translation Studies. Before this collection, translation theory was largely dominated by linguistic approaches—binary comparisons between source texts and target texts, focusing on equivalence, fidelity, and the mechanics of language transfer. Bassnett and Lefevere’s work fundamentally challenged this paradigm, arguing that translation cannot be understood solely as a linguistic exercise but must be viewed as a cultural and political phenomenon. This essay explores the central arguments of Translation, History and Culture , focusing on the proposal of the "Cultural Turn," the reconceptualization of translation as rewriting, and the lasting impact of these ideas on the humanities.
To appreciate the significance of Translation, History and Culture , one must first understand the state of Translation Studies prior to its publication. For much of its early history, translation theory was dominated by linguistic approaches. The central, and often only, question was how to achieve "equivalence"—a faithful, accurate transfer of meaning and form from a source text to a target text.
However, the book has not been without its critics. A contemporary review published in 1991, while acknowledging the importance of the project, was harsh in its assessment of the volume's execution. The reviewer, D’haen, called the collection "a sore disappointment," criticizing it as a "hastily and haphazardly arranged collection that has been carelessly edited and published". translation history and culture susan bassnett pdf
André Lefevere introduced the idea that translation is a form of "rewriting." Like any rewriting (such as anthologizing, criticizing, or adapting), translation adapts a text for a specific audience to ensure its survival. However, this process inherently "refracts" the original text through the lens of the translator’s ideology and the pressures of their society. 3. Power Dynamics and Patronage
Before 1990, translation theory was dominated by linguistics. Scholars focused heavily on "equivalence"—whether a translated sentence perfectly matched the grammar and vocabulary of the original. The publication of Translation, History and Culture (1990),
Susan Bassnett and André Lefevere’s "Translation, History, and Culture" (1990) established the "cultural turn" in translation studies, shifting focus from linguistic equivalence to how context shapes translation. The work frames translation as a form of "rewriting" influenced by patronage and ideology, viewing translators as active cultural mediators rather than invisible technicians. An academic preview is available at Internet Archive Translation/History/Culture: A Sourcebook
Bassnett's text quickly became the essential introduction for students worldwide. As she writes in the introduction to its fourth edition, the book was designed to demonstrate "that Translation Studies is indeed a discipline in its own right: not merely a minor branch of comparative literary study, nor yet a specific area of linguistics, but a vastly complex field with many far-reaching ramifications". This shift in thinking was monumental. This essay explores the central arguments of Translation,
The book challenges the traditional hierarchy that places the original text on a pedestal and dismisses the translation as a flawed copy. Bassnett argues that a translation gives a text a "continued life" (or afterlife), allowing it to survive and evolve across centuries and borders. Why Researchers Search for the "Susan Bassnett PDF"
What is the specific of your research paper?
If you cannot get the complete book, focus on these frequently assigned chapters (available via Google Books preview or academic databases):
By proving that history and culture dictate how we translate, she helped society realize that human communication is never neutral. Every time we translate, we are not just choosing words—we are choosing how to represent an entire culture to the world.