The history of translation

Conclusion

     The history of the world and the history of translation being closely entwined, there is no doubt that most of the world's past comes to us through translation. All throughout history, translation has enabled the dominant social groups to understand and control the dominated social classes; it has also allowed these lower classes to have access to otherwise unattainable writings that have contributed to the enrichment of their knowledge, as well as changing people's lives and perspectives, regardless of social class or standing. In modern times, the advancements in technology, the need for instant global communication, and the never ending migration of people around the world confirm the everlasting importance and necessity of translation as a tool for economic, political, cultural, religious advancement.

"Translators have invented alphabets, helped build languages and written dictionaries. They have contributed to the emergence of national literatures, the dissemination of knowledge, and the spread of religions. Importers of foreign cultural values and key players at some of the great moments of history, translators and interpreters have played a determining role in the development of their societies and have been fundamental to the unfolding of intellectual history itself."

("Translators through History", Jean Delisle and Judith

Woodsworth, John Benjamins Publishing Co., 1995)

Bibliography:

1. Delisle, Jean, “Translators through History”, 1995, p 87
2. Vilen N. Komissarov, “Translation in Russian culture”
3. Adarve translations, “How has translation evolved?”
4. Lawrence Venuti, “The Translator’s Invisibility: A History of Translation”, 1995
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Translation
6. Kelly, L.G., ‘The True Interpreter: a History of Translation Theory and Practice in the West”, 1979, pp. 25-36.
7. http://www.translationdirectory.com/articles/article1695.php
8. www.historyoftranslation.html&lr=10758