Resumen

VAN COLLER, Hp  y  VAN JAARSVELD, A. Translation and adaptation as interpretation and strategy: My Seuns by Christo Davids against the background of All My Sons by Arthur Miller. Tydskr. geesteswet. [online]. 2020, vol.60, n.1, pp.124-140. ISSN 2224-7912.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2224-7912/2020/v60n1a9.

In this article the processes of translation, adaptation or conversion are equated to the two plays All my Sons by Arthur Miller andMy seuns by Christo Davids. These processes entail the transforming of a source text (SC) to a target text (TT) which constitutes a mediation between two cultures. In the introductory part of the article relevant theories pertaining to translation in the broad sense of the word, are briefly discussed. These discussions include reference to the processes of domestication and foreignization (Venuti) which entail bringing the original culture closer to home or, on the other hand, stressing the distance between source and target culture. Furthermore, reference is made to theatricaltranslation (Aaltonen): the time-sharing of texts on stage as well as semiotic translation or adaptation(Marais) as a complex cross-cultural concept, an emergent phenomenon that emerges out of relationships between individuals. Marais's approach against the background of Alltonen's theatrical translation is primarily descriptive and its purpose is to describe mechanisms, choices, strategies of translation in terms of the creation of new meanings in new contexts; in other words: translation as a semiotic process. In order to engage in discussions on a theory and deviations in the application thereof one needs to demarcate and define the domain in detail before reflecting on any anomalies and peripheral issues. In considering theories regarding translation, one realises that adaptation or conversion into a completely new text, demonstrates tangencies with translation practices. An adaptation or conversion into a new text is thus by its very nature a form of translation. As far as translation is concerned, one of the core discussions has always been the relationship between - and the primacy of-the original text (the source text) and the translated text (the target text), and with it the source and target culture. This is linked to a number of divergent views on what faithfulness to the source text in varying contexts would actually mean. In the 1970s, the skopos-theory was introduced by Hans J. Vermeer and was later expanded by Christiane Nord (2001). Since every action has a purpose (Skopos is the Greek word for purpose), so should it be in translation. What this means is that the Skopos or purpose of a translation will determine whether domestication or alienation will prevail and whether there may be a combination of the two extremes. Nord (2006) explains this theory on the basis of the well-known Jakobsonian theory of communication (1960). She distinguishes between "intention /purpose" and "function": the translator has a specific aim with his work and tries to induce a certain response from the recipient (reader). Translation is thus functionally and pragmatically directed. Furthermore, based on Nord (1997), it can be argued that the purpose of the translation determines the methods and strategies. In the latter part of this article, fundamental interpretative possibilities of the theories are discussed with specific reference to the use of domestication inMy seuns due to the fact that Davids domesticates the universal thematic approach of Miller in All my Sons to a South African reality. It is important for the translator to be aware of a particular choice or preference in an attempt to apply his/her translation or adaptation brief, whether self-imposed or not, for the benefit of the text itself. The translation, adaptation or conversion could be source text oriented within a relational translation or adaptation strategy. It could also be more semiotically oriented within a clear target text (other text) translation, adaptation or conversion strategy. Based on what Marais regards as translation, My seuns, is in fact not merely inspired by Arthur Miller, but converted and therefore "translated" into a new culture. Thus, this article seeks to identify the poetical preferences of the translator before an attempt is made to describe (and evaluate) the final product within a discussion of the success of the new text against the background of the original and whether or not it succeeds as adaptation/conversion.

Palabras clave : Translation; adaptation; semiotic translation; conversion to a new text; domestication; transformation; target text; source text; translation/ adaptation brief.

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