A Japanese Perspective on the Universalism vs. Particularism Debate
Author(s)
Wakabayashi, Judy
Abstract
Arguing that the often presumed universal applicability of translation theory tends to center on Western cultures & Indo-European languages, the possible contributions of non-Western languages & cultures in general & Japanese translation theory in particular are examined. The history of translation theory in Japan is described, noting that the detail and practice-based Japanese intellectual tradition has precluded the development of a significant body of innovative abstract work on translation. However, two distinctive Japanese forms of translation are identified which challenges the epistemological distinction between source & target texts. Three theoretical options concerning the relationship between the Western & non-Western traditions are further discerned: (1) the universalistic direct adoption & assimilation of Western theory, (2) the particularistic development of indigenous theories, & (3) the synergistic blend of Western & indigenous theories into an integrative metatheory composed of diversified parameter-specific theories.
