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That the translator, in the pattern of interaction mentioned above,
refers the SL message to its original sender is not without
justification. "The subject of translation", says T Tymoczko (1978,
p29), "is an interdisciplinary topic in which one utilises such
linguistic theories as phonology (or graphology), syntax, semantics,
and pragmatics. However, there are also extralinguistic factors
involved in translation and to accommodate these factors, the
translation theorist must draw on additional theories of the language
speakers, their environment, culture and beliefs". The translator is
primarily preoccupied with the transfer of the semantic content
(obligatory or logical meaning) of the SL text into the target
langauge. Translation, being genuinely a semantic activity, must of
necessity draw upon linguistic as well as extralinguistic
resources. For extralinguistic resources, the translator must refer to
the source text author in a self-reflexive endeavour to access of his
socio-cultural beliefs and culture-specific norms.
While translating, the translator is actually dealing with a
precast message not his own. He does not intend, nor claim to address
this message to its original readership. To address his immediate
readership, the translator has to place the SL message in its pertinent
socio-cultural context. The translator's role can be briefly boiled
down to the re-formulation of a message not his own for a readership
un-thought of by the original sender of the message.
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