Revisiting the concepts of translation studies: equivalence in linguistic translation from the point of view of Peircean universal categories

Abstract

Abstract The concept of equivalence seems to be one of the most contentious issues of the academic discourse on linguistic translation, as it has long been associated with the much criticised approaches that would follow the naive idea of sameness or close correspondence between languages. For these reasons there have been voices claiming that the concept is not needed and, as such, should be rejected. However, equivalence is central to linguistic translation, being one of the main goals of this activity, even though it is often hidden behind other concepts, including adequacy, relevance or interpretive resemblance. Accordingly, a more global approach offered by semiotics may help to revisit the traditional, yet unpopular, understanding of equivalence. This article attempts to discuss the concept of equivalence from the point of view of the universal categories put forward by Charles Sanders Peirce. To this end it provides an overview of approaches to equivalence within the discipline of translation studies, lists the most pertinent features of the concept and refers them to Peirce’s universal categories. It is argued that equivalence is founded on the triad similarity-difference-mediation that is determined by and within the context of translation.