The Translator’s Subjectivity in Light of Geroge·Steiner’s Fourfold Translation Motion Theory

Abstract

Under the infl uence of the binary epistemological philosophy, the traditional translation theories tend to be author-centered
or writer-centered, which gave the inviolable priority to the source text and the fi rst-hand writers. The advent of “cultural turn” witnessed
the change of translation subjects from unitary to multiplicity. Translation was not only a transition between languages, but also a human act
in the time context of works. Therefore, in the process of translating, translators should comprehend the historical and cultural background
of the works and the authors and much more emphasis should be put on translators’ subjectivity. This paper will analyze translators’ roles in
fourfold steps and the ways to improve the translation quality by bringing translators’ subjective initiatives into full play.