Reconceptualizing Translation in Light of Complexity Thinking: From Translation Turns to the Translation Complex

Abstract

There are various theoretical perspectives from which the ‘translation’ concept is perceived, ranging from the early linguistic approach that emphasized equivalence to cultural, social, and functional approaches, which have broadened the concept to a communicative act conditioned by actors, context, and the text's purpose and function. However, this accumulation of translation definitions has often led to the fragmentation of the concept through its study in separate turns, highlighting some elements while marginalizing others, making it difficult to arrive at an inclusive conception of translation. Accordingly, this study aims to trace the conceptual development of translation definitions through a critical and analytical reading of the most important approaches that have shaped the field, and then employ complexity theory/thinking as a unifying framework to reconceptualize translation as a complex reality and a dynamic, adaptive system whose meaning is based on the reciprocal and non-linear interaction between language, culture, socio-historical context, and function of the text. Hence, it contributes theoretically by proposing an inclusive definition of translation from a complexity perspective. The study concludes that conceptualizing translation as a ‘complex’ rather than ‘turns’ allows for a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the concept and establishes common ground that can benefit researchers, students, trainers, and practitioners in describing the translation phenomenon and guiding translation practice.

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