the ideology of lexical choices in the turkish translations of oliver twist

2.2. The ‘Classics’ of Literature and the Rationale behind “100 Essential
Readings”
2.2.1. Which Works are regarded as ‘Classics’?
In A Handbook to Literature a classic is defined as “a piece of literature that
by common consent has achieved a recognized superior status in literary history; also
an author of similar standing” (Harmon and Holman, 1996; 96). Another definition
of the word is provided by Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary: a classic is “a
piece of writing, a musical recording or a film which is well-known and of a high
standard and lasting value” (Woodford, Jackson, and Gillard, 2003; 215). For
example, “Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a classic of English Literature”
(ibid.). As these definitions indicate, classics of literature are written by reputable
and therefore immortal authors; they are well-known and are of a superior status and
lasting value. Nevertheless, the phrase ‘by common consent’ is a bit problematic,
because “not everyone agrees on what the classics are”
(http://www.ipl.org.ar/ref/QUE/FARQ/classicsFARQ.html). However, “lots of
people have created lists of what they believe to be the most important books”
(ibid.). As Italo Calvino says in his work entitled Why Read Classics, it would be
sensible to define ‘classics’ in this way: “The classics are the books of which we
usually hear people say, ‘I am rereading . . .’ and never ‘I am reading . . .’” (quoted
in http://www.des.emory.edu/mfp/calvino/calclassics.html)
2.2.2. The Significance of Classics in Turkey
2.2.2.1 Why Read Classics?
Classic works, especially those of Western origin, have always played an
important role in Turkish cultural life. They undoubtedly constitute the primary
intellectual ground for the Western culture, which has always enjoyed a superior
status in Turkey. Naturally, acquaintance of Turkish people with Western classics
was only possible through translation. Therefore, translation was of utmost
importance. As Berrin Aksoy states in her article “Translation as Rewriting: The
Concept and Its Implications on the Emergence of a National Literature,” “inspired
by the directives of M. Kemal Atatürk, a full-scale translation effort was started in
order to establish organized and systematic translation activities” (2001; Translation
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