ApplicationofHermeneuticNotionsonTranslator’sSubjectivity

【Abstract】The philosophical hermeneutic notions “prejudice”， “effective history” and “horizon” place focus on the dynamic role of the interpreter in deciphering the text.In this sense， they can be used in studies for translators subjectivity as a beneficial theoretical framework.

【Key Words】philosophical hermeneutic notions； translators subjectivity

1.“Prejudice” and Translators Subjectivity.In the light of philosophical hermeneutics， prejudice is the impress left by history upon the human beings， without prejudice， no genuine wisdom can be procured.It means “a judgment that is rendered before all the elements that determine a situation have been finally examined” （Gadamer， 2004：273）.

Prejudice in translation is referred to as the values， inclination and preconceived judgment of translator which are shaped in a given historical milieu.As a historical being， translator cannot stay aloof from the tradition and times in which he lives， and therefore he instills his singularity， personal background， artistical accomplishment into the understanding of the original.So prejudice can be viewed as the origin of translators creativeness.

2.“Effective History” and Translators Subjectivity.Time is actually “the supportive ground of the course of events in which the present is rooted” （ibid.，297）.Thus， the effective history of understanding is something that will not be dried up because the constant newly-emerging dimensions are coming out with the passage of time.In this sense， the distance caused by spatio-temporal factors is not a must to be triumphed over but a favorable prerequisite for understanding.

The translator is bounded by the estranged distance caused by time and space， his understanding is necessarily situated in the history of effect.Therefore the translated version is the realization of the original textual meaning by a specific translator in one way at a certain historical period.Yet， the possibility of meaning is endless and the translated version cannot be done for once and always.So discovery of the textual meaning and retranslation， as to translator， are never stopping.

3.“Horizons” and Translators Subjectivity.Only through the prejudices steeped in a particular historical background， can the horizon of the interpreter be foregrounded.Horizon is open and it is “something into which we move and that moves with us” （ibid.，303）.In view of philosophical hermeneutics， the real understanding is brought forth by the fusion of horizons.The translator checks the newly received information from the horizon of the original against the existing information deposited in his initial horizon， and through the conciliation of those unfamiliar information， he is calculated to achieve a good compatibility of the old and the new information.Then， he externalizes the fusion of horizons with the birth of the translated version.It is self-evident that the translator executes his rights to speak and attitudes in producing the version on the ground of subjectivity and visibility.

4.Conclusion.The above conceptions hold “understanding” as the primary concern of translation.Within the scope of philosophical hermeneutics， the translators legitimate status and subjectivity are justified and fully highlighted.

Reference：

[1]Gadamer，Hans-Georg.Truth and Method.Trans.Joel Weinsheimer and Donald G.Marshall.New York： Continuum，2004.

作者简介：杨茜，1987—，女，硕士研究生，助教，研究方向为翻译理论与实践。