The Importance of Professional Knowledge in Translation

The purposes of this paper are firstly, to point out the importance of professional knowledge in translation; and secondly, to stimulus scholars for further research. The Professional theory of Translation is the current tendency for translators. The translators had better have professional knowledge and ability for the translation fields, such as Modern China, Laws and Politics, Finance and Economy, Mass Media, Science and Technology, Environment, and even Ballroom Dancing in each respect so as to be competent in translation. Professional translation is here meant by: translation as an academic discipline; translation as interdisciplinary; and translation as a profession. The development of Translation theories can be divided into four periods: 1) The Period of Literature theory of Translation, 2) The Period of Linguistics Theory of Translation, 3) The Period of Culture Theory of Translation, and 4) The Period of Professional Theory of Translation. During the Period of Literature theory of Translation, Translators paid special attention to the art and aesthetics of translation. During the Period of Linguistics theory of Translation, translators paid attention to the transfer of grammar, then to the language meaning, and finally to pragmatic linguistics. During the Period of Culture theory of Translation, translators paid special emphasis on the transfer of cultural messages with debates on authors-centered Domestication Translation strategy and readers-centered Foreignization Translation strategy with balance between them. And during the Period of Professional theory of Translation, translators paid special attention to the acquirement and application of professional knowledge and ability.