本文探討現代翻譯理念的三項問題,並依據相關語言理論建議未來翻譯理論及科技應有的發展方向。翻譯理論的沿革使得現代翻譯理念強調譯文需要忠實、精確呈現原文,鼓勵譯者在語言轉換過程中扮演中立角色,擔任語言轉換中的「傳聲筒」(conduit)。本文作者依相關文獻、語用理論 (Speech Act Theory)、及Bakhtin互動詮釋理論 (Dialogic Model) 指出現代翻譯理念的三項問題:(一)過分強調「傳聲筒」理論 (Conduit Model);(二)過分簡化譯者角色;(三)盲目追尋「完美」翻譯。Bakhtin的互動詮釋理論強調傳播過程當中的所有情境、語意皆受到所有參與者(包活譯者)的影響。因此在翻譯過程中,譯者不再是傳統翻譯理論所認定的被動「傳聲筒」角色,而是影響譯文情境、語意的重要角色;語用理論則明白指出人們解讀語言不僅單靠其字面意義,也依賴對其情境、語意的判斷。因此,現代翻譯理念所應當將譯者的多重角色和功能納入考量,並據此發展相關翻譯理論。此一發展對未來翻譯科技有重要影響;簡言之,末來翻譯科技的發展重點不應在於消除譯者的角色,希冀透過機器達成「完美」翻譯,應將譯者定義為翻譯過程中的決策者。良好的翻譯軟體需要提供譯者充足資訊及相關情境,幫助譯者做出良好判斷,但最終,譯文的「人性」只能夠透過譯者彰顯。
Three major problems in modem translation ideology were identified and the researcher proposed changes necessary for advancements in the development of translation theories and translation technology. Traditionally, the development in translation theory has created a translation ideology that has focused on the faithfulness and the accuracy of target texts in representing the source texts, encouraging translators and interpreters to become neutral conduits in the language-transferring process. Based on related literature, Bakhtin’s Dialogic Model, and Speech Act Theory, I identified three problems in the current translation ideology: (a) an overemphasis on Conduit Model; (b) simplification on the roles of translators; and (c) Quixotism in finding the “best” translation. I suggested that the development of translation theories and ideologies should move toward the Dialogic Model suggested by Bakhtin, which emphasizes the co-construction of contexts and meanings of all participants involved in the communicative process. I proposed a normative approach, which focuses on the practice of translation and interpretation, in developing translation theories, and discussed its implications for translation technology. By understanding the active roles translators and interpreters can play and do play and by recognizing the importance and the benefits of such phenomena, it is evident that the emphasis of translation technology should not be eliminating the presence of translators and interpreters or be creating the “best” target text. Rather, a good translation program should involve translators and interpreters in the decision-making process of translation and interpretation, providing necessary information and contexts for translators and interpreters.