Piotr Blumczynski

Turning the tide: A critique of Natural Semantic Metalanguage from a translation studies perspective

Starting from the premise that human communication is predicated on translational phenomena, this paper applies theoretical insights and practical findings from translation studies to a critique of Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM), a theory of semantic analysis developed by Anna Wierzbicka. Key tenets of NSM, i.e. (1) culture-specificity of complex concepts; (2) the existence of a small set of universal semantic primes; and (3) definition by reductive paraphrase, are discussed critically with reference to the notions of untranslatability, equivalence and intralingual translation, respectively. It is argued that a broad spectrum of research and theoretical reflection in translation studies may successfully feed into the study of cognition, meaning, language and communication. The interdisciplinary exchange between translation studies and linguistics may be properly balanced, with the former not only being informed by but also informing and interrogating the latter.

Translation as an Evaluative Concept

Testing the hypothesis that the concept of translation is evaluative rather than merely descriptive, Blumczynski analyses its increasingly popular use in three areas: political discourse, life writing, and biomedical publications. He argues that translation as an evaluative concept is concerned with profound rather than superficial issues: to translate something is to assert its significance and value. At the same time, translation brings to the surface real and authentic things, producing its therapeutic value: it makes us more visible to ourselves, exposes pretences, and thus brings relief. Finally, translation delivers on its own ethical imperative by breaking the spell of proverbial good intentions and bringing things to completion.

Recent Polish Translations of the New Testament: Trends and Tendencies

in the last decade, the selection of New testament versions available to the Polish reader has broadened significantly and has become much more diversified in both confessional and stylistic terms. this paper offers an overview of seven recent Polish Nt translations, followed by some observations concerning contemporary trends and tendencies in Bible translation and publishing in Poland, particularly as regards audience considerations. however, in order to properly understand and appreciate the current situation in this field, it is necessary to consider the broader background of the existing Polish Bible versions .

Na pograniczu języków, kultur i religii: uwagi o tłumaczeniu dzienników Thomasa Mertona

The fact that translating classics is both difficult and inevitable is exemplified in the copious translations of Thomas Merton’s works worldwide. In the Polish context, the challenge of translating Merton is additionally amplified by the existence of translations produced by prominent writers and scholars (e.g. Milosz, Tabakowska). In the article, the translator of A year with Th omas Merton. Daily meditations from His Journals provides an overview of peculiar diffi culties encountered while working on the Polish version. In particular, he focuses on the influence of the earlier Polish translations of parts of the Journals as well as Merton’s distinctive style (often manifested in excessive repetitiveness and lexical simplicity paired with the richness of thought). However, most translational challenges seem to have arisen in relation to Merton’s command and abundant use of multiple languages, his fascination by various cultures, and rootedness in the Christian – particularly Roman Catholic – heritage and the monastic tradition. The discussion of the actual translational challenges is accompanied by personal comments of the translator.