Topic: A Probe into the Theory and Methodology of Presuppositional Thinking in Translation

Time: 15:00-17:30 Mar. 25, 2015

Venue: A421, Building 6

Distinguished Guests: Pro. Mo Aiping and Pro. Huang Zhonglian    

Participants: PhD candidates, teaching staff, postgraduates and senior visiting scholars

Chairperson: Pro. ZengLisha

Speaker: Chen Xia & Pro. ZengLisha

Recorder in English: Zhao Yao

The forum started with a presentation given by Chen Xia, a PhD candidate, on the topic “Characteristics of Presuppositional Thinking in Studies of C-E Translation”. She began with the analysis of the characteristics and the limitations of the existing literature on presupposition studies in translation. Then, she put forward three principles of translating presupposition such as appropriateness, mutual knowledge and inferability, which was supported by typical case analyses. Finally, she raised a number of questions, such as how to make scientific categorization and qualitative generalization of the case study of presupposition-related translations.

The forum was followed by Pro. Zeng Lisha’s thought-provoking speech entitled “Theory and Methodology of Presuppositional Thinking in Translation Studies”, which covered four aspects: how to understand the knowledge representation in translation studies; how to identify experiential and theoretic perceptions; how to make qualitative analyses in a scientific way, and how to analyze typical cases. By demonstrating a number of typical case analyses, Pro. Zeng’s elaborated the significance of studying presupposition in translation and its relevant translating strategies. His speech not only provided an insightful solution to Chen Xia’s questions, but also shed light on how to carry out scientific academic researches for all participants.    

The speech triggered heated discussion and gained affirmation from Pro. Mo Aiping who pointed out that the forum is a precious opportunity for every participant to engage in academic exchanges. Besides, he also gave some valuable suggestions to Chen Xia’s report.    

The forum ended with Pro. Huang Zhonglian’s concluding remarks. He spoke highly of Pro. Zeng’s "case study plus theory" approach, holding that Pro. Zeng’s scientific research paradigm is admirable. Prof. Huang also commented on Chen Xia’s research about how to make the title innovatively eye-catching and highlight the original insights.    

The forum proved to be a big success and all the participants are looking forward to the next one.