Ideology in Translation: Theories and Reflections

摘要

This study aims at examining a burgeoning approach in Translation Studies: ideology. By comparing the conventionally linguistic approach with the ideological approach and by reviewing some of the seminal theories from the ideological perspective, the paper critically reflects on the advantages and disadvantages of ideology in translation, principally finding that the ideological approach while emphasizing contextualization of translation activities, tends to neglect text itself and the assumption of using translation strategies to manipulate language influence also lacks sufficient grounds. The paper is thus original by proposing that it is the economic status that determines the survival and development of a minority language and by calling for attention to the importance of integrating text and context when researching translation.