Translation from a functional-linguistic perspective

Abstract

One of the fundamental aspects of the successful translator's task is a correct handling of the idiosyncratic features of both the source language and the target language in order to mainly convey the meaning of the source text into the receptor language. M.A.K. Halliday's efforts have been significant to bridge the gap between committed linguistic theoreticians and professional practitioners such as translators, totally uninterested in the findings of linguistics. However, it is striking to me to observe that, generally speaking, there are very few references to systemic linguistics in translation treatises, and the same holds true for works which tackle translation issues in systemic spheres. This paper aims to informally sketch the way in which functional linguistics, namely Halliday's Systemic-Functional Grammar, might be of help in translation practice. I will review some of the basic assumptions of the Hallidayan model and I will pinpoint some clear links between the systemicist's view of language and the translator's linguistic problems.