Organisational structure of translator's linguocultural knowledge as a prerequisite for its effective functioning in code-switching in translation

Abstract 

Switching from the source language to the target language is an essential and crucial element of the translation process which to a large extent determines the effectiveness of cross-cultural communication in translation. We propose that such switching be viewed as the switching of linguocultural codes, thus allowing us to stress the importance of viewing translation as a contact of two linguocultures. The process of linguocultural code-switching is based on a number of mechanisms, mental processes and operations, one of which being access to and retrieval of linguistic means used to describe a particular fragment of reality in the target linguoculture. It is assumed that effective language retrieval depends on the “distinctness” of linguistic knowledge based on the stimulus-response connection between conceptual information and its linguistic manifestation. We believe that a mental structure for translator’s linguistic and cultural knowledge should be viewed as a frame. We identified a number of characteristics of the frame suggesting that it can ensure the above-mentioned distinctness of linguistic knowledge. These characteristics include the ability of frame structures to form a ‘vision’ of a fragment of reality in a linguoculture, integrate conceptual and linguistic knowledge into a unified single system, facilitate the integration of information into memory structures, create favourable conditions for the activation and retrieval of linguistic knowledge, create framework for probabilistic forecasting. A comparison of these characteristics with the mechanisms and processes of linguocultural switching has shown that frame-based knowledge can increase their speed and effectiveness, especially in translation from L1 to L2 which is known to be most challenging. It is also hypothesised that the development and use of a frame knowledge base can be made more effective due to reliance on metalinguistic awareness. It provides better language competence, indispensable for a translator, distinctness of linguistic and cultural knowledge, better understanding of norm and usage, translation skills development and the ability to code-switch; it also stimulates creative thinking which allows for a more effective search and use of linguistic means. The author draws a conclusion that development of frame-based knowledge about a foreign language should be made systematic and be part of translator’s professional competence taken into account by curricula for trainee translators.

Keywords: translation, code-switching, linguocultural code, frame, metalinguistic awareness, translator’s professional competence, translation teaching