424_2061_A.B.

Chapter OnePreliminaries: Definitions and Types1.1. Translation: DefinitionsThere has been a plethora of definitions which E. Nida(1964: 161-164) has elaborately surveyed . He rightlyelucidates:Definitions of proper translating are almostas numerous and varied as the persons whohave undertaken to discuss the subject.This diversity is in a sense quiteunderstandable; for there are vastdifferences in the materials translated, inthe purpose of the publication, and in theneeds of the prospective audience (161).Nevertheless, a definition which is not confined to themere transference of meaning is furnished by Nida andTaber (1969: 12) who postulateTranslation consists in reproducing in thereceptor language the closest naturalequivalent of the source language message,first in terms of meaning and secondly interms of style. (Emphasis is mine).Bell (1991: 5-6) seems to have pursued the same line ofemphasis on meaning and style in his translation of thedefinition given by the French theorist, Dubois (1974) :