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Neubert goes on to discuss the ways and means whereby 'textual
equivalence' can be achieved. For pedagogical reasons, two strategies
are proposed: transpositions, which have to deal with grammatical
renderings in the target text, and modulations, which consist of
lexical reconstructions in the target version. Qualitative changes,
involving grammar and lexis, must go hand in hand with quantitative
alterations, implying expansions or condensations. Dislocations may
occur as a result of sequential arrangements. Transpositions and
modulations are not to be mechanically or unconsciously carried out in
L2. A skilled translator will make his decisions and choices with
utmost caution. A dislodgement or a misplacement of a grammatical or a
lexical structure in the sequential arrangement of L2 text can be
irretrievably detrimental. Within text-bound translation, Neubert re-
orientates Van Dijk's concept of 'superstructure'. He formulates a 5-
stage progression schema which sets off the texts from other prototypes
of technical literature. It comprises (1) title of the invention; (2)
the technical field; (3) background art; (4) the disclosure of the
invention; and (5) a detailed description of the invention. Other
textual components may be added to this prototypical patent such as
drawings, diagrams, industrial applicability, claims, bibliographical
data, and an abstract. Other variations of this prototypical patent
are not unpredictable.
Neubert later admits that such prototypical predetermination does
not apply to the majority of L1 texts. A differentiation has to be
made between constrained technical texts and poetic texts of
unconstrained, unlimited variability. Neubert rounds up his
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