Some Wittgensteinian reflections on translation practice in a Chinese context

Abstract

The global integration of economic, social and cultural activities has pushed the importance of translation to a new level. With the sheer volume of translation, and the increased demand for near instantaneous translation, there is a growing reliance on technological systems. This paper begins from the assumption that an examination of the conceptual foundations of translation is needed to understand the growing reliance on technological systems. The philosophy of language in later Wittgenstein provides a rich resource for reconsidering current translation theories and practice, especially his ideas concerning “language games” and his theory of meaning. This paper discusses translation from a Wittgensteinian perspective and urges caution against over-reliance on technological systems.